After more than two decades, Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurant is officially making a comeback.
The iconic brand will reopen its first U.S. location in over 20 years next week in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, bringing both classic favorites and new menu creations to diners.
The restaurant is set to open on Monday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. local time at 1602 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Customers can reserve their table through OpenTable in anticipation of the grand reopening.
Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s co-founder Marno McDermott, expressed excitement about the relaunch. “We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation,” he said. He added, “We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and investors who have helped make this moment possible, and we can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to experience Chi-Chi’s.”
What’s New and Returning at Chi-Chi’s
The St. Louis Park location will showcase a refreshed design and modern decor, creating an inviting ambiance for both longtime fans and new diners. The restaurant will combine original menu favorites with exciting new items:
Returning favorites:
- Original Nachos Grande – Tortilla chips topped with refried beans, ground beef, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Chimichanga – Crispy chimichangas stuffed with beef, chicken, short rib, or red chili. Served with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice, and beans.
- Seafood Enchiladas – Shrimp and crab smothered in Chi-Chi’s signature lobster cream sauce. Served with sour cream, guacamole, beans, and rice.
New menu items:
- Quesabirria Tacos – Three corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked beef, Oaxaca cheese, onions, cilantro, and consommé dipping sauce.
- Manchego Burger – Angus beef topped with manchego cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and chipotle mayonnaise. Served with fries.
- El Burro Con Queso – Burrito packed with ground beef or shredded chicken, cheese, chili con queso, and ranchero sauce. Served with beans and choice of rice.
A Look Back: Chi-Chi’s History
Chi-Chi’s filed for bankruptcy in October 2003. The closure came after a tragic outbreak of foodborne illness linked to green onions served at a Pennsylvania location. According to law firm Marler Clark, four people died and more than 650 fell ill. Ultimately, the company agreed to pay $800,000 to compensate 9,489 people affected by the outbreak.
The restaurant closed its last U.S. location in 2004, leaving fans nostalgic for the flavors and fun of Chi-Chi’s.
In December 2024, Chi-Chi’s announced an agreement with Hormel Foods, the Minnesota-based company that owns the Chi-Chi’s trademarks, to use the brand name for new locations. This partnership paved the way for the current comeback.
Hours and Location
The St. Louis Park Chi-Chi’s will operate under the following schedule:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The restaurant is designed to serve as a flagship location for Chi-Chi’s relaunch, with plans for additional locations in the future.
Equity Crowdfunding and Community Support
Chi-Chi’s has seen tremendous support from the public through its equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine.
- Over 2,000 investors have contributed more than $2.3 million to help fund the comeback.
- The campaign is closing soon, but those interested can still learn more at StartEngine’s Chi-Chi’s offering page.
The strong response reflects both nostalgia for the brand and excitement for its updated menu and modernized dining experience.
What’s Next for Chi-Chi’s
While the St. Louis Park location opens the door for the brand’s relaunch, the company plans to expand further. Chi-Chi’s aims to combine its classic flavors with modern twists to appeal to both loyal fans and a new generation of diners.
Michael McDermott summed it up best: “The company is back stronger than ever. We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation.”
Chi-Chi’s return marks the revival of a beloved Mexican restaurant brand after more than 20 years. With its mix of original favorites, exciting new menu items, and modern design, the St. Louis Park location is set to become a destination for families and food enthusiasts alike.
