Some restaurant names bring back more than memories of food. They recall bright signs, baskets of chips and salsa, sizzling plates, birthdays and family dinners that once felt like special occasions.
For millions of Americans who remember casual dining in the 1980s and 1990s, Chi-Chi’s is one of those names.
And after roughly two decades away from the U.S. restaurant scene, Chi-Chi’s is officially back.
The revived chain opened its flagship restaurant in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on October 6, 2025, marking the first new U.S. Chi-Chi’s restaurant in about 20 years.
The comeback is being led by Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s co-founder Marno McDermott. His goal is not simply to recreate the old restaurants exactly as they were, but to combine recognizable Chi-Chi’s favorites with a more contemporary menu and atmosphere.