Iconic restaurant plots return after vanishing 20 years ago in bankruptcy bloodbath – but fans ‘predict’ trouble
An iconic restaurant is planning a resurgence after a tragic collapse and bankruptcy nearly two decades ago.
Fans are already forecasting issues as Chi-Chi’s prepares to establish new restaurant locations in the upcoming year.
The Mexican restaurant Chi-Chi’s has set out to make a significant comeback 20 years after closing its final outlet in 2004.
Currently, Hormel Foods, the company behind well-known products like Skippy and SPAM, is the owner of the Chi-Chi’s trademark.
The business said on Tuesday that it is allowing Michael McDermott, the son of the restaurant’s co-founder, to reopen Chi-Chi outlets under the Chi-Chi name.
It is anticipated that the next venues will open in 2025.
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On Facebook, former Chi-Chi’s fans are already making predictions about potential problems when the franchise reopens.
“They’re going to have trouble replicating the experience,” a user commented. “The food is just not going to taste the same or have the same texture is what I predict.”
“Good luck,” said another user, adding that the eatery would require it.
Considering that there were independent Mexican eateries in almost every US city, a third foresaw problems with rival eateries.
“Other than the nostalgia of the brand, it s still tortilla with cheese meat and vegetables just like the independent places,” they stated.
FATAL DOWNFALL
Max McGee, a former Green Bay Packers player, and restaurateur Marno McDermott launched Chi-Chi’s in 1975.
Subway silently axes $6.99 meal deal after less than a month but customers can still grab low price
The restaurant was well-known for its distinctive interior design and wide selection of Tex-Mex dishes, which included fried ice cream and fajitas.
By the end of the 20th century, the Mexican restaurant business had grown to over 200 sites in the US.
However, because to financial difficulties and foodborne disease, the business filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and closed its final outlet the following year.
Green onions used in the free salsa offered by the Chi-Chi’s restaurant caused a significant hepatitis A outbreak close to Pittsburgh.
The restaurant was the target of several hundred lawsuits, 650 illnesses, and four fatalities.
Food safety regulations were altered statewide as a result of the biggest hepatitis A outbreak in US history.
After spending $40 million to purchase the rights to Chi-Chi’s, Outback Steakhouse closed the remaining sites and turned them into Outback, Bonefish Grill, and other eateries owned by its parent company.
The son of the restaurant’s co-founder, Michael McDermott, has optimism for the chain’s future despite the challenges Chi-Chi’s has endured.
“I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi’s restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry,” he stated.
“We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in a way that resonates with today’s consumer an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor.”
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As Chi-Chi prepares to expand, a competitor of Denny’s faces the possibility of losing an 85-year-old eatery that is a “cultural touchstone.”
Additionally, a few days after discontinuing its $6.99 meal bargain, Subway closed two shops in the same city.
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