Headlines

Chi-Chi’s Returns

Mexican restaurant brand starts comeback in Minnesota

Published

3 months ago

October 1, 2025

VMSD Staff

Chi-Chi's returns Oct. 6 with the opening of this restaurant in suburban Minneapolis. Photo: Courtesy of Chi-Chi's Restaurants LLC

The Chi-Chi’s brand is about to be reborn on the west side of Minneapolis, in St. Louis Park. The brand’s new locale is operated by Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s co-founder Marno McDermott. (VMSD.com first reported on McDermott’s plans to revive the brand last December.)

“Chi-Chi’s is back stronger than ever,” said the younger McDermott, who obtained permission to use the chain’s name from Hormel Foods, owner of the brand’s intellectual property. “We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation.”

Founded in 1975, the chain once had 200-plus locations, but a series of ownership changes culminated with the chain closing its last restaurant in 2004.

The St. Louis Park location, opening Oct. 6, will serve as the flagship for the brand’s relaunch, with additional restaurants in as-yet-undisclosed locations planned in the future.

VMSD Staff

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