The 90s are coming back. Chi-Chi’s, a Mexican restaurant chain from the “Friends” show era, plans to make a return in the upcoming new year.
On Tuesday, the restaurant chain Chi-Chi’s announced a partnership with Hormel Foods, a global food company based in Austin, Minnesota. The agreement allows Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s founder, to use the brand name for new restaurant locations scheduled to open in 2025.
“I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi’s restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry,” McDermott said in a statement.
“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,” he adds.
Despite the restaurant being closed for 20 years, McDermott remains confident in the brand’s uniqueness and the enduring fondness from its heyday. With a modern relaunch, they are aiming for a complete revival.
The newly revitalized, iconic Chi-Chi’s restaurant builds on the 28 years it served the Minneapolis community. Founded in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee, the chain once boasted over 200 locations nationwide.
The decision to close was the result of a series of challenging ownership changes, culminating in a bankruptcy filing in 2004, as reported by Food Safety News in 2009.
In October 2003, an outbreak of hepatitis A was traced back to green onions served at a Chi Chi’s restaurant in Pennsylvania that ultimately affected over 650 people and resulted in four deaths.
Although the chain initially shut down, the brand has continued to thrive internationally in grocery stores under Hormel Foods, offering products such as packaged salsas and tortilla chips. These products will remain available as the restaurants prepare to reopen.
Two locations are scheduled to open next year, though the complete details of the Chi-Chi’s restaurants have not yet been released. The first two establishments are planned to open in Minnesota, where the brand originated almost 50 years ago.
“We are excited to see the immense outpour of support from fans new and old surrounding the news of Chi-Chi’s return,” McDermott told The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Chi-Chi’s is just one of the latest restaurants staging a comeback. This revival brings excitement to a new generation and evokes a sweet sense of nostalgia for those who remember it.