(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Tad’s Dad’s Chili started with a simple family tradition. Colonel Ty Tandler, a career Air Force officer who helped start the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, was known for bringing people together over a pot of his famous chili.

His daughter, Tad, grew up by his side, chopping onions, stirring the pot, and soaking up the tradition. Years later, as a teacher in Colorado, she won a school chili cook-off — and was told she had to share it with the world.

That’s how Tad’s Dad’s Chili was born — a tribute to her dad, made to bring people together one bowl at a time.

Recently, Tad appeared on FOX21’s Loving Living Local to share her family’s story, chili, and a few bowls with the show’s host.

The chili is ready-to-eat, gluten-free, vegan as packaged, and full of rich, homemade flavor. It’s perfect on its own or over nachos, hot dogs, or sloppy joes — just heat and serve.

You can find it at TadsDadsChili.com and in stores around Southern Colorado like Bread & Butter Neighborhood Market, Ranch Foods Direct, Florissant Mercantile, and more.