• 20 years after the last CHI-CHI’S™ restaurant closed its doors, the once-popular Mexican chain is getting a chance at revival
• The founder’s son plans to keep the same great taste and Mexican flavors in the updated version of the iconic brand

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., December 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 20 years after the last CHI-CHI’S™ restaurant location closed, the popular Mexican restaurant chain is making a comeback thanks to a new agreement with Hormel Foods, owner of the CHI-CHI’S™ brands. The deal granted Michael McDermottSon of CHI-CHI’S™ Founder, use of CHI-CHI’S™ name for physical restaurant locations expected to open in 2025.

The backstory
Founded by a restaurateur Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee In 1975, the CHI-CHI’S™ restaurant chain grew rapidly in the late 20th century, reaching more than 200 locations nationwide. However, a series of ownership changes ultimately led to the chain’s closure in 2004.

McDermott, who built his career in the restaurant industry with brands like Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill is committed to honoring his family’s legacy by combining the classic CHI-CHI’S™ restaurant experience with modern influences.

“I still have fond memories of growing up in the CHI-CHI’S™ restaurants that my father built over time, which instilled in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry ” he said Michael McDermottFounder of CHI-CHI’S™ Restaurants, LLC, the new company formed to revitalize CHI-CHI’S™ Restaurants. “We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a great opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that will resonate with today’s consumer – a modern dining experience with the same great taste and the same Mexican touch.”

Keep the legacy alive
However, there was no CHI-CHI’S™ restaurant there yet the United States McDermott believes that 20 years from now, the brand will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember its heyday and remain beloved by consumers across the country who continue to enjoy its packaged salsas, tortillas and condiments will be available as new restaurant locations open.

About Chi-Chi’s Restaurants LLC
Founded by Michael McDermottCHI-CHI’s™ Restaurants LLC is a recently formed company revitalizing the iconic restaurant CHI-CHI’s™ proudly serves Minneapolis Community for 28 years. With a mission to deliver high-quality, value-driven meals in a modern and vibrant atmosphere, the group is poised for success in its re-entry into the full-service restaurant industry.

About Hormel Foods – Inspired people. Inspired food.^™
Hormel Foods Corporation based in Austin, Minnesotais a global branded food company with over 12 billion dollars in annual sales in more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS^®SKIPPY^®SPAM^®HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®APPLEGATE^®JUSTINS^®QUITE^®HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^®COLUMBUS^®JENNIE-O^® and more than 30 other popular brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the Best Companies to Work for by US News & World Report, named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, and recognized as one of them by TIME Magazine The world’s best companies received a top score of 100 in the 2023-24 Corporate Equality Index and have numerous other awards and recognitions for their corporate responsibility and community service receive efforts. The company lives according to its purpose: Inspired people. Inspired food.^™ – to bring some of the world’s most trusted and well-known brands to tables around the world. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

SOURCE CHI-CHI’S™ Restaurants

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