It’s Official: Chi-Chi’s is Making a Comeback!

This popular restaurant throughout the '80s and '90s had several locations in Indiana and is set to make a comeback after twenty years.

Growing up in the '90s, there were several restaurants that we dined at a lot that are no longer around. I'm sure that we all can think of a few that we miss. Some of those for me include Ponderosa Steakhouse, the Old Country Buffet, Showbiz Pizza Place, and Lonestar Steakhouse. There are several other chain restaurants that have gone out of business throughout the years that were once very popular. One of those restaurants is officially making a comeback, and I can't wait.

Growing up in Evansville, Indiana, one popular place to eat at was a chain restaurant that was known for its spicy Tex-Mex fare, chimichangas, and fried ice cream. It also happened to be my first introduction to Mexican food. The restaurant itself helped bring Mexican food to a mainstream audience. Of course, I am talking about Chi-Chi's.

What Happened to Chi-Chi's?

Chi-Chi's was created in 1975 in Minnesota, and at its peak, the chain had more than 200 locations across the country. According to Restaurant Business, the company changed hands several times in the '80s and '90s. Then, in October 2003, Chi-Chi's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. However, the last nail in the coffin came a few months later.

Cases of hepatitis A in the Pittsburgh area were traced back to a Chi-Chi’s location at the Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania. The contagious virus was later tied to green onions served at the restaurant.

It would go on to become the largest hepatitis A outbreak in U.S. history, claiming 660 victims and resulting in four deaths. More than 300 people sued Chi-Chi’s for damages.

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In 2004, Chi-Chi's closed the remaining 65 restaurants that it had in the United States, marking the end of an era. That being said, the Chi-Chi's name still lives on in grocery stores under the Hormel company, which bought the rights to produce Chi-Chi ’s-branded salsas, chips, and other products in 1987. However, fans of the restaurant were not able to enjoy the popular dishes that they were accustomed to for decades at their local locations.

Chi-Chi's Making a Comeback?!

Just when you thought that you would never be able to dine at a Chi-Chi's again, there is hope on the horizon. According to Restaurant Business, the chain is set to make a comeback after twenty years. Recently, Hormel Foods struck a deal with the son of Chi-Chi's founder, Michael McDermott that will allow McDermott to open up restaurants under the Chi-Chi's name starting next year. This is great news!!!

The article from Restaurant Business says that the revival of Chi-Chi's will be an "updated take on the classic Chi-Chi's experience." That being said, specific locations, menu items, and designs weren’t immediately released. In any event, this is very exciting news. Are you excited about the comeback?