ICONIC Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi’s has confirmed the date of its highly-anticipated comeback and fans won’t have to wait long.
More than 20 years after filing for bankruptcy and vanishing from the industry, the chain is coming back with its first location set to open next week.
The new Chi Chi’s restaurant in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, will open next week[/caption]
Diners will be able to enjoy old favorites as well as new menu items and a ‘refreshed design’ (stock)[/caption]
Not only will fans be able to get their old favorites, they will also be welcomed with new menu items and a “refreshed design”.
The chain filed for bankruptcy in October 2003 after numerous people were sickened by green onions served at one of its locations in Pennsylvania.
Four people died and over 650 became ill leading to the chain paying out compensation and facing numerous lawsuits, sparking financial struggles.
Its last location was closed down in 2004 but in December 2024, the chain started plotting its comeback.
Hormel Foods which owns the Chi-Chi’s trademark, announced that Michael McDermott, the son of the chain’s co-founder Marno McDermott, would be allowed to use the name to reopen restaurants.
Now, the restaurant chain has confirmed its first revival will be in Minnesota.
From October 6, fans will be able to flock to the brand new Chi-Chi’s restaurant in St Louis Park.
With it will be a “crave worthy menu” for both old and new fans who will experience “the brand’s revitalized energy,” the company said in a news release.
“Guests can enjoy a mix of enhanced menu items, original favorites, an upgraded bar experience, and the same great service that made CHI-CHI’s a household name over 20 years ago.”
“CHI-CHI’S is back stronger than ever,” Michael McDermott said.
“We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and investors who have helped make this moment possible, and we can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to experience CHI-CHI’s.”
The restaurant will be open between 10am and 11pm Monday to Thursdays, between 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and between 11am and 9pm on Sundays.
Fans who aren’t living in Minnesota will be pleased to hear that the chain is planning on opening a number of new locations, with this first one being the flagship for the brand’s comeback.
‘IT’S TIME’
And it seems that the relaunch can’t come soon enough with fans taking to social media in surprise at the news.
“Oh please please please come to Indiana SOMEWHERE! I will travel to it!,” one excitedly wrote on Facebook.
“I love chi chi that’s what I went for when I was pregnant! Love it,” another said.
“Don’t play with me,” a third added, unable to believe the news.
In the comeback announcement, the chain gave fans a quick peek at the new menu.
It includes the chain’s iconic Chimichanga, Quesabirria Tacos, Seafood Enchiladas, the Manchego Burger, Original Nachos Grande, and the El Burro Con Queso.
And it is good news for a fan who said they would travel all the way to the new location just for a taste of the chain’s fried ice cream and corn cake.
A quick look at the chain’s new website and menu shows that the sweet-treat has returned.
For $7 diners will get the vanilla ice cream dessert wrapped in cornflakes and dusted with cinnamon.
“I grew up inside Chi-Chi’s restaurants. I watched my father and uncle build something people loved — not just a restaurant, but an experience that made people happy,” McDermott said.
“After years of running my own restaurants, I woke up one morning during meditation and realized: It’s time.”
