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Chi-Chi’s Reopens With Minnesota Flagship After Two Decades

A Hormel licensing deal enabled founder Marno McDermott’s son to lead the comeback.

Overview

  • Chi-Chi’s opened October 6 at 1602 West End Blvd. in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with opening-day reservations fully booked and wait times quoted at up to two hours.
  • Michael McDermott is relaunching the brand under rights licensed from Hormel Foods, which owns the Chi-Chi’s trademarks.
  • The flagship features a refreshed design, an upgraded bar, and an updated menu that includes Original Chimichangas, Quesabirria tacos, Seafood Enchiladas, Nachos Grande, and oversized margaritas.
  • The restaurant lists hours of 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday, with additional locations planned through a franchise model.
  • The revival follows the chain’s 2003 hepatitis A outbreak and subsequent bankruptcy that closed its U.S. restaurants by 2004, as more than 2,000 StartEngine investors have since contributed roughly $2.3–$2.5 million to the relaunch.