After 20 years, this iconic restaurant chain is reopening its doors and fans can’t wait
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Some comebacks feel like nostalgia dressed in neon lights—not just a return, but a revival of a memory you can taste.
When an old favorite from the past reemerges after decades away, it’s more than a restaurant opening; it’s a time capsule reopening its doors.
For many, it’s a reminder of shared tables, laughter, and dishes that once defined an era. And this time, the beloved name from the ’80s is stepping back into the spotlight, ready to serve both old fans and a new generation craving something familiar yet fresh.
More than twenty years after closing its final location, Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant is officially back.
Once a household name across America, Chi-Chi’s was known for its lively atmosphere, fried ice cream, and Tex-Mex favorites that turned casual dining into a celebration.
The chain, which was founded in Minnesota in 1975, reached its peak with more than 200 locations before a tragic Hepatitis A outbreak in 2003 and subsequent bankruptcy forced it to shut down.
Now, the restaurant has reopened its doors in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, marking a symbolic return to its roots and the start of what the company calls its “stronger than ever” era.
Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi’s original founder, said the relaunch isn’t just about bringing back the brand—it’s about reigniting its spirit.
“We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation,” he said in a press release.
The new flagship location pays homage to Chi-Chi’s legacy while introducing modern touches meant to attract today’s diners.
It features updated décor, a refreshed bar experience, and an expanded menu that blends nostalgia with innovation.
Also read: You won’t believe how cheap Thanksgiving dinner is at Walmart this year—even cheaper than Aldi!
Fans who remember Chi-Chi’s golden years have already taken to social media to share their excitement.
“If they have the same fried ice cream as the old days, that’s all I need,” one online user wrote, while another added, “Also need the chili con queso. Those two things and I’m so there!”
Their wishes haven’t gone unheard—the revived menu includes favorites like the El Burro Con Queso, Original Chimichanga, and Nachos Grande, each one recreated with the brand’s signature flavors and a few upgraded ingredients.
Beyond the classics, Chi-Chi’s new lineup features dishes that hint at a modern culinary sensibility.
There are Quesabirria Tacos dripping with cheese, a Manchego Burger, and Seafood Enchiladas filled with shrimp and crab, topped with the restaurant’s indulgent lobster cream sauce.
These additions, paired with Chi-Chi’s familiar sizzle and warmth, aim to bridge the gap between nostalgia and novelty.
For those who spent their youth under the glow of its bright red sign, the relaunch feels like an invitation to relive the past—but with a little more polish and flavor.
As the restaurant settles into its homecoming, Chi-Chi’s has hinted at plans to expand into other cities.
Also read: 7 Burger chains where you can still score big burgers for under $10
While no official timeline has been released, excitement is already brewing among fans eager to see the return spread nationwide.
After all, few brands have managed to capture the essence of fun dining quite like Chi-Chi’s once did.
For now, Minnesota gets the first taste of what might be one of the most heartwarming restaurant revivals in decades.
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Whether you remember Chi-Chi’s for its legendary chimichangas or simply miss its lively energy, this comeback feels like a welcome reunion. Would you travel to Minnesota just to relive the flavors of the past? Share your favorite Chi-Chi’s memories—or the dish you’d order first—in the comments below.
When an old favorite from the past reemerges after decades away, it’s more than a restaurant opening; it’s a time capsule reopening its doors.
For many, it’s a reminder of shared tables, laughter, and dishes that once defined an era. And this time, the beloved name from the ’80s is stepping back into the spotlight, ready to serve both old fans and a new generation craving something familiar yet fresh.
More than twenty years after closing its final location, Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant is officially back.
Once a household name across America, Chi-Chi’s was known for its lively atmosphere, fried ice cream, and Tex-Mex favorites that turned casual dining into a celebration.
The chain, which was founded in Minnesota in 1975, reached its peak with more than 200 locations before a tragic Hepatitis A outbreak in 2003 and subsequent bankruptcy forced it to shut down.
Now, the restaurant has reopened its doors in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, marking a symbolic return to its roots and the start of what the company calls its “stronger than ever” era.
After 20 years, this iconic restaurant chain is reopening its doors—and fans can’t wait. Image source: Wikipedia
Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi’s original founder, said the relaunch isn’t just about bringing back the brand—it’s about reigniting its spirit.
“We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation,” he said in a press release.
The new flagship location pays homage to Chi-Chi’s legacy while introducing modern touches meant to attract today’s diners.
It features updated décor, a refreshed bar experience, and an expanded menu that blends nostalgia with innovation.
Also read: You won’t believe how cheap Thanksgiving dinner is at Walmart this year—even cheaper than Aldi!
Fans who remember Chi-Chi’s golden years have already taken to social media to share their excitement.
“If they have the same fried ice cream as the old days, that’s all I need,” one online user wrote, while another added, “Also need the chili con queso. Those two things and I’m so there!”
Their wishes haven’t gone unheard—the revived menu includes favorites like the El Burro Con Queso, Original Chimichanga, and Nachos Grande, each one recreated with the brand’s signature flavors and a few upgraded ingredients.
Beyond the classics, Chi-Chi’s new lineup features dishes that hint at a modern culinary sensibility.
There are Quesabirria Tacos dripping with cheese, a Manchego Burger, and Seafood Enchiladas filled with shrimp and crab, topped with the restaurant’s indulgent lobster cream sauce.
These additions, paired with Chi-Chi’s familiar sizzle and warmth, aim to bridge the gap between nostalgia and novelty.
For those who spent their youth under the glow of its bright red sign, the relaunch feels like an invitation to relive the past—but with a little more polish and flavor.
As the restaurant settles into its homecoming, Chi-Chi’s has hinted at plans to expand into other cities.
Also read: 7 Burger chains where you can still score big burgers for under $10
While no official timeline has been released, excitement is already brewing among fans eager to see the return spread nationwide.
After all, few brands have managed to capture the essence of fun dining quite like Chi-Chi’s once did.
For now, Minnesota gets the first taste of what might be one of the most heartwarming restaurant revivals in decades.
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