Nearly 20 years after the last CHI-CHI’S restaurant closed, the beloved Mexican chain is set to make a comeback. In December, it was announced that Michael McDermott, son of CHI-CHI’S founder, had secured the rights to use the CHI-CHI’S name on physical restaurant locations through an agreement with Hormel Foods, which owns the brand’s trademarks.
Previously, the nationwide chain had two locations in Montgomery County. The first restaurant is set to open in Minnesota, where a Rojo Mexican Grill in St. Louis Park will be converted into a CHI-CHI’S™ location. The expansion strategy includes both company-owned and franchised locations, with plans to grow across the Midwest and East Coast.
As part of the relaunch, McDermott is leading a crowdfunding campaign, allowing investors to own a stake in the brand’s revival. The campaign aims to raise $3.5 million, with a minimum investment of $250…