Do you remember how going to a restaurant as a child was a big social event for the family? For generations of Americans, this memory is strongly linked to many restaurant chains that are no longer in our cities. The most nostalgic remember the vibrant world of Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant, as it was there that they had their first taste of Tex-Mex cuisine.
This restaurant chain, which disappeared from the United States two decades ago, is finally making its long-awaited comeback. The doors officially reopened on Monday, October 6, 2025. If you miss this restaurant, you can head to St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where Chi-Chi’s has reopened. At the helm of this restaurant is Michael McDermott, son of co-founder Marno McDermott, who is determined to honor his family’s legacy.
Chi-Chi’s history
Chi-Chi’s was originally founded in 1975 in Richfield, Minnesota. It became hugely popular and grew to 200 locations across the country. For millions of Americans, it was their first experience with casual Mexican food. But it wasn’t just good food, it was the whole festive atmosphere that made it memorable. For many children of the 80s and 90s, eating out at Chi-Chi’s was a real treat.
The whole family won: the kids were dazzled by the Mexican theme and fried ice cream, the adults had a great time drinking margaritas, and if it was your birthday, the staff would bring you a special dessert and sing their unforgettable song. So much so that redditors on the r/Nostalgia subforum can’t stop thinking about those old days when chains had their own quirks.
Chi-Chi’s Menu: unforgettable even 20 years later
The news that a Chi-Chi’s restaurant has reopened has caused a stir among lovers of its menu. Some of its dishes haven’t been popular for years, but that doesn’t mean people have forgotten how delicious they were. Although the popular vote is unanimous for fried ice cream—which is drizzled with honey and whipped cream and was the most requested dessert—there are many other dishes that Mexican food connoisseurs remember fondly: their Original Chimichanga is also back on the menu, with fillings such as beef, chicken, short ribs, or red chili.
The Nachos Grande, an impressive dish of tortilla chips, ground beef, and cheese, will grace tables once again. Chi-Chi’s fans haven’t forgotten the Cornbread, a sweet “mashed” side dish.
But the crown jewel for many was The Seafood Cancun, a dish with a mixture of imitation crab meat.
Why did Chi-Chi’s close?
The crisis began in October 2003 when the company, already in financial trouble, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. However, the final blow to the restaurant chain’s reputation came from a massive outbreak of hepatitis A, which was traced to a Chi-Chi’s branch in Monaca, Pennsylvania.
Contaminated green onions, innocently used as a garnish in the salsa, caused the largest food poisoning outbreak in US history, with 660 people sick and four deaths. Faced with a flood of lawsuits and public fear of returning to its establishments, the chain had no choice but to close all its restaurants and cease operations in the United States. By 2004, the last of its restaurants had closed and become a distant memory.
However, the brand never completely died: its line of sauces, tortillas, and packaged condiments is still available in supermarkets under the ownership of Hormel Foods.
New Chi-Chi’s
For now, the new Chi-Chi’s restaurant is trying to balance a dose of nostalgia while attracting new diners. Generation Z never experienced its menu or the vibrant colors of its restaurants, so it has quite a challenge ahead. In addition to the classic menu, they also offer new additions such as Quesabirria Tacos, delicious Seafood Enchiladas, and even a modern Manchego Burger.
In addition, the branch has a bar stocked with over a thousand tequilas. Reservations to eat at the restaurant have been pouring in; the owner says they are fully booked. Such is the success that McDermott has confirmed plans to open a second location in Minnesota soon.