A Minnesota-based Mexican restaurant chain is preparing to reopen some locations in 2025 after closing 20 years ago.
According to CNN, Hormel Foods, the owner of Chi-Chi's trademark, announced on Tuesday that it would allow the son of the chain's co-founder to use the store's name. reported Wednesday.
Co-founders Marno McDermott and Green Bay Packers player Max McGee opened Chi-Chi's in 1975, and the chain grew to 200 stores.
However, the chain is concerned about a hepatitis A outbreak at a Pittsburgh-area store caused by green onions in the complimentary salsa, sickening approximately 650 people, killing four, and prompting hundreds of lawsuits. As a result, it was closed in 2004. This was the largest hepatitis A outbreak in U.S. history and led to changes in food safety nationwide.
McDermott's son Michael; said“I still have fond memories of growing up at Chi Chi's Restaurant, which my father built over the years and instilled in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry,” Local 12 said.
The outlet noted that the brand still sells items such as salsa and tortillas in some grocery stores. It is still unclear how many locations there will be opened According to open for business or where hill.
1991 Chi Chi commercial show People enjoying the restaurant's Sonora Sampler. At the time, it cost $7.99 and included fried ice cream for dessert.
The commercial said the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet was $5.99.
The news comes as some restaurant chains face strong financial performance while others face bankruptcy, CNN's report noted.
“While restaurants continue to face challenges such as rising food costs, labor shortages, and rising construction costs, nostalgia remains a powerful driver of customer visits,” said RJ Hottovy, head of analytics and research at Placer.ai. “It is emerging as a.”
“Strategies such as reintroducing popular menu items and offering exclusive collector's items have resonated with consumers, and we believe these strategies may also work well for the revival of these classic brands. “It suggests that,” Hottovy added.
