Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant is making a highly anticipated comeback, with its first new U.S. location in over twenty years set to open in Minnesota. This revival marks a new chapter for the brand, blending beloved nostalgic elements with a fresh, modern approach to re-engage with American diners.
Chi-Chi's restaurant :A Legendary Brand Reborn
After a two-decade absence from the American restaurant landscape, Chi-Chi’s is officially returning. The new flagship location will open its doors on Monday, October 6th, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The company announced that the restaurant will feature a “refreshed design” intended to create a modern and inviting atmosphere for both returning fans and a new generation of customers.
This comeback is a story of resilience and passion. Michael McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi’s co-founder Marno McDermott, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the relaunch. “We are stronger than ever before,” McDermott stated in an announcement. “We are bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a new twist for a whole new generation. We are incredibly grateful to our supporters and investors who helped make this moment possible, and we look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to experience Chi-Chi’s.”
The Chi-Chi's restaurant Menu: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
The heart of the Chi-Chi’s experience has always been its food, and the new menu is designed to honor that legacy while introducing exciting new flavors. Diners can expect a thoughtful mix of classic dishes that defined the brand, alongside contemporary creations that reflect modern culinary trends.
Cherished Classics Return
For those who have been waiting years for the return of their favorites, the new Chi-Chi’s will not disappoint. The menu proudly brings back several iconic dishes that fans will remember fondly:
Original Nachos Grande: A mountain of house-made tortilla chips generously topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic jalapeños.
The Original Chimichanga: A crispy, deep-fried burrito that can be filled with beef, chicken, short rib, or red chile, served with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice, and beans.
Seafood Enchiladas: A signature dish featuring tender shrimp and crab mixed in Chi-Chi’s signature lobster cream sauce, served with sour cream, guacamole, beans, and rice.
El Burro Con Queso: A hearty burrito stuffed with your choice of ground beef or shredded chicken, cheese, chili con queso, and a rich ranchero sauce, served with a side of beans and rice.
Fresh Flavors for a New Era
To complement the classics, the culinary team has developed several new items that are sure to become future favorites. These dishes showcase a modern take on Mexican-inspired cuisine:
Quesabirria Tacos: A set of three corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked beef, authentic Oaxaca cheese, onions, and cilantro, served with a rich consommé for dipping.
Manchego Burger: A gourmet burger featuring a grilled Angus beef patty topped with savory Manchego cheese, fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and a smoky chipotle mayonnaise, served with fries.
Overcoming a Troubled Past
The return of Chi-Chi’s is also a story of redemption. The brand’s initial decline began in October 2003 when the company filed for bankruptcy following a devastating hepatitis A outbreak traced to green onions served at a location in Pennsylvania. According to the law firm Marler Clark, which represented families in the ensuing lawsuits, the outbreak led to the tragic deaths of four people and sickened over 650 others. The company eventually agreed to an $800,000 settlement to compensate thousands who fell ill after dining at the restaurant.Following this crisis, the company closed its final U.S. restaurant in 2004, though the brand’s grocery products remained available through Hormel Foods, the Minnesota-based company that owns the Chi-Chi’s trademark. In December 2024, the new ownership group announced it had secured a deal with Hormel Foods to use the brand name and begin opening new restaurant locations.
A Community-Fueled Comeback
This relaunch is not just a corporate endeavor; it is a movement powered by the brand’s loyal fanbase. The company initiated an equity crowdfunding campaign on the platform StartEngine, which successfully raised over $2.3 million from more than 2,000 individual investors. This grassroots financial support demonstrates the deep-seated affection and demand for the brand’s return, giving thousands of fans a personal stake in its success. While the initial campaign is closing soon, it highlights a powerful connection between the brand and its community.
Plan Your Visit to the New Chi-Chi's
The first new Chi-Chi’s restaurant is poised to be a major destination for food lovers in the Midwest and a flagship for the brand’s national relaunch.
Location: 1602 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Grand Opening: Monday, October 6th, at 11:00 AM local time.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 |AM to 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
With more locations already in the planning stages, the opening in St. Louis Park is just the first step in the ambitious journey to bring Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant back to cities across America.
When and where is the new Chi-Chi's restaurant opening?
The highly anticipated new Chi-Chi’s restaurant is opening its doors on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM local time.
The restaurant’s hours will be:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
You can book reservations through OpenTable.
What is on the new Chi-Chi's menu? Are old favorites coming back?
Original Nachos Grande: House-made tortilla chips with refried beans, ground beef, melted cheese, and jalapeños.
The Original Chimichanga: A crispy burrito filled with beef, chicken, short rib, or red chile, served with all the fixings.
Seafood Enchiladas: Shrimp and crab in Chi-Chi’s signature lobster cream sauce.
El Burro Con Queso: A large burrito stuffed with ground beef or chicken, cheese, and chili con queso.
New Menu Items:
Quesabirria Tacos: Slow-cooked beef, Oaxaca cheese, onions, and cilantro, served with a consommé for dipping.
Manchego Burger: A grilled Angus beef patty topped with Manchego cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayonnaise.