Chi-Chi’s, the iconic Mexican restaurant chain that was popular in the 1980s and ‘90s before filing for bankruptcy in 2003, is making a comeback. The brand’s first location in over 20 years opened in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, earlier this month.
“Chi-Chi’s is back stronger than ever,” said Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s co-founder Marno McDermott, who is now leading the restaurant’s return. “We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation.”
Once a staple in strip malls across the nation, Chi-Chi’s expanded to over 200 locations during its peak, including one in New Dorp. The chain’s popularity declined in the early 2000s, however, which lead to the bankruptcy filing. A devastating hepatitis A outbreak linked to contaminated green onions led to the closure of all U.S. locations in 2004.
McDermott is now committed to honoring the brand’s legacy while introducing “fresh twists that delight both longtime fans and a new generation of guests.”
According to the press release, Chi-Chi’s comeback is being built hand-in-hand with its fans. More than 2,000 people have already invested over $2.3 million through the brand’s equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. The St. Louis Park location will serve as the flagship for the brand’s relaunch, with additional locations planned in the future.
Here’s a look at what the new restaurant is serving:
Chi-Chi’s Original Chimichanga: Crispy, golden perfection stuffed with beef, chicken, short rib, or red chili and served with all the fixings including guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice, and beans.Quesabirria Tacos: Three corn tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, Oaxaca, cheese, onions, cilantro, consommé dipping sauce.Seafood Enchiladas: A rich combo of shrimp and crab, smothered in Chi-Chi’s signature lobster cream sauce. Served with sour cream, guacamole, beans, and rice.Manchego Burger: Fresh wood grilled angus beef topped with Manchego cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, chipotle mayonnaise and served with fries.Original Nachos Grande: House tortilla chips topped with refried beans, ground beef, melty cheese, and jalapeños.El Burro Con Queso: A bold burrito packed with ground beef or shredded chicken, cheese, chili con queso, and ranchero sauce. Served with beans and choice of rice.
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Dining and Cooking