Gone, but never forgotten!
That’s at least what the once-iconic Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi’s is banking on as they are set at attempting a comeback in the restaurant business.
Hormel Foods, current owner of the Chi-Chi’s trademark, announced yesterday it’s letting Michael McDermott, son of the chain’s co-founder, use the name to reopen restaurants in 2025.
The restaurant chain closed 20 years ago
Specific locations, menu items and designs weren’t immediately released.
After the last restaurants closed 20 years ago due to bankruptcy and a massive food-borne illness outbreak, Chi-Chi's is coming back. https://t.co/4j9dWERDzQ
— Florida Today (@Florida_Today) December 5, 2024
According to CNN, the chain closed in 2004 following a hepatitis A outbreak at a Pittsburgh-area location traced to green onions served in its complimentary salsa, sickening about 650 people and resulting in four deaths and several hundred lawsuits.
It’s the largest hepatitis A outbreak in United States history and led to nationwide food safety changes.
According to the announcement, McDermott will revive Chi-Chi’s, which was known for its eclectic interior as well as an expansive Tex-Mex menu that served everything from fajitas to fried ice cream.
CNN noted that he is an industry veteran who launched Kona Grill and sold it to trendy steakhouse STK’s parent company in 2019.
“We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with today’s consumer — an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor,” McDermott said in a press release.
The Chi-Chi’s branding, which is still used on packaged food and margaritas, will continue to be sold at stores. Hormel has made chips, salsas and other Chi-Chi’s products since the late 1980s.