Nearly two decades after closing its doors, the once popular Mexican restaurant chain CHI-CHI’S is making its return.
Owner of CHI-CHI’S trademarks, Hormel Foods, has granted the son of CHI-CHI’S founder permission to use the CHI-CHI’S name on restaurant locations expected to open in 2025.
The last CHI-CHI’S closed its doors in 2004, partially because of a “series of ownership changes,” the company said in a statement.
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The Mexican Chain was established in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee. At its peak, the chain had more than 200 locations nationwide — including locations in Massachusetts.
Micheal McDermott, son of Marno, will revive the CHI-CHI’S name in 2025.
Michael McDermott plans to open new Chi-Chi’s restaurants, 20 years after the Mexican chain co-founded by his father closed its last U.S. location.Provided
“I still have fond memories of growing up in the CHI-CHI’S restaurants that my father built throughout their time,” Michael McDermott, founder of CHI-CHI’S Restaurants, LLC, the new company formed to revive CHI-CHI’S Restaurants, said in a release.
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“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.”
He said the revival will feature “an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor.”
McDermott has a professional restaurant background under his belt, having built a career in the industry with brands like Kona Grill and Mojo Mexican Grill.