After two decades of shutting down all its establishments due to financial struggles and a health crisis, a beloved Mexican eatery is poised for a revival.
Hormel Foods, the trademark holder, has successfully negotiated a revival of Chi-Chi’s following the closure of all its locations in 2004.
Michael McDermott, the son of the Chi-Chi’s founder, expressed in a press release his desire to pay tribute to his family’s legacy by merging the traditional Mexican dining experience with contemporary elements.
In the 1970s, Marno McDermott and Max McGee, a former player for the Green Bay Packers, founded the Chi-Chi’s brand. The company, along with its over 200 establishments, would undergo multiple ownership changes in the ensuing decades, as detailed by Restaurant Business.
In late 2003, the company sought protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Not long after, reports indicated that hepatitis A cases in the Pittsburgh region were linked to green onions served at a Chi-Chi’s located in a nearby mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania.
A total of 660 individuals were affected by the outbreak. According to NBC, four individuals have lost their lives. Approximately 50% of the individuals who fell ill pursued compensation from the company.
In 2004, Chi-Chi’s shut its doors for good. Hormel Foods has acquired the trademark and is now manufacturing Mexican cuisine under the brand.
The press release issued on Tuesday offered no further details regarding the specific timing or locations for the opening of Chi-Chi’s restaurants in 2025.
McDermott established his professional journey in the dining sector with notable names such as Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill.
“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,” said McDermott, who is now the founder of CHI-CHI’S™ Restaurants, LLC, the new company formed to revive the restaurants.