Making a Comeback After Two Decades
One of America’s most nostalgic restaurant brands, Chi-Chi’s, is officially returning to the dining scene after closing all of its U.S. locations roughly 20 years ago.
A Beloved Tex-Mex Brand Rises Again
Founded in Minnesota in 1975, Chi-Chi’s became widely popular through the 1980s and 1990s for its festive atmosphere, Tex-Mex dishes, chimichangas, nachos, and that quintessential “fun night out” vibe.
The chain expanded to more than 200 restaurants across the U.S., but a devastating hepatitis A outbreak linked to green onions in 2003 and the legal fallout that followed pushed the company into bankruptcy and ultimately ended its restaurant operations by 2004.
The Comeback Begins in Minnesota
In 2025, Chi-Chi’s made its highly anticipated return with a new flagship location in St. Louis Park, Minnesota — a symbolic homecoming that marks the first Chi-Chi’s restaurant in over two decades.
The relaunch blends classic favorites — like chimichangas, Original Nachos Grande, and the beloved El Burro con Queso — with new menu additions and modern touches aimed at appealing both to original fans and a younger generation of diners.
Michael McDermott, son of one of the chain’s original founders, has spearheaded the revival effort in partnership with Hormel Foods, which continues to own the Chi-Chi’s brand name.
Why This Revival Matters
Chi-Chi’s comeback taps into several major trends shaping today’s restaurant world:
- Nostalgia dining: Diners craving favorite brands from their youth
- Reinvented classics: Blending familiar flavors with contemporary menu updates
- Crowd enthusiasm: Fans have flooded social media with excitement about the rebirth of a restaurant they once loved
The brand’s return is more than just a retro moment — it illustrates how powerful nostalgia and brand equity can be when paired with a fresh business strategy.
What’s Next for Chi-Chi’s?
While the St. Louis Park location is just the beginning, Chi-Chi’s has suggested plans for additional openings in the years ahead. The revival is positioned as both a celebration of the past and a reinvention for the future.
Whether Chi-Chi’s will become a national chain once more remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after 20 years, fans finally have a reason to say “Let’s go to Chi-Chi’s!” again.
