Do You Remember Eating at Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant?

If you love Mexican food like I do, you have many restaurants that serve great food all over Eastern Iowa. But back in the 1980s and early 1990s, that wasn't the case. The Midwest was not a hotbed for Mexican restaurants. It was an untapped market just waiting for a giant chimichanga to arrive! What we got was Chi-Chi's!

Where Did Chi-Chi's Restaurants Get Its Start?

Would you believe that the restaurant chain was founded by a former Green Bay Packer? The Takeout reports that Max McGee, former receiver for the Packers, and restaurateur Marno McDermott started the chain in 1975 in Minneapolis. The two men noticed a lack of Mexican cuisine options in the state. By 1986, Chi-Chi's Restaurants could be found throughout the Midwest, boasting over 200 locations!

What Kind of Food Did Chi-Chi's Serve?

If you wanted spicy food, you didn't go to Chi-Chi's. They instead focused on "subtle, less spicy seasoning", according to The Takeout. Chi-Chi's was famous for its chips and salsa, deep-fried chimichangas, and who could forget...the Mexican Fried Ice Cream!

What Happened to Chi-Chi's Restaurants?

The Takeout reports that the restaurant chain simply expanded too quickly. Instead of sticking to the Midwest, they tried big cities like New York and San Diego. At the same time, other casual dining chains like Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse were becoming popular.

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But the nail in the Chi-Chi's coffin happened in 2003. The Takeout reports that a hepatitis outbreak at a restaurant near Pittsburgh led to more than 600 people becoming ill, and four fatalities! The disease was traced back to contaminated green onions.

Where Can I Still Get Chi-Chi's Food?

The brand itself still exists. The Takeout reports that you can buy Chi-Chi's salsa and other Mexican food products in grocery stores around the nation. However, in late 2024, the son of one of Chi-Chi's original owners announced the restaurant chain would be back in 2025!

According to Fox9, the first 'new' Chi-Chi's location will open in St. Louis! Construction will get underway at the end of the month, and the restaurant will open before the end of the year.

Are you ready for the return of Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant?