Chi-Chi’s Is Back: Minnesota’s Iconic Tex-Mex Chain Reopens in St. Louis Park
Few restaurants stir up as much nostalgia for Minnesotans as Chi-Chi’s. Founded in Minneapolis in 1975 by former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee and restaurateur Marno McDermott, Chi-Chi’s quickly became a go-to destination for Tex-Mex food, birthday parties, and family celebrations. At its peak, the chain operated more than 200 restaurants across the country.
But after a hepatitis A outbreak in 2003 and financial struggles, Chi-Chi’s closed its final U.S. location in 2004. For many, it felt like the end of an era. Yet the Chi-Chi’s name never truly disappeared. Thanks to Hormel Foods of Austin, Minnesota, the brand has lived on through grocery store staples like salsa, chips, tortillas, and seasoning mixes.
Now, after more than two decades, Chi-Chi’s restaurants are officially making a comeback—starting right here in Minnesota. The flagship location will open Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. The revival is being led by Michael McDermott, son of co-founder Marno McDermott, in partnership with Hormel.
The new Chi-Chi’s aims to capture the same spirit that made it a household name: festive décor, shareable plates, and family-friendly vibes. Fans can expect updated takes on Tex-Mex classics while staying true to the brand’s roots.
For Twin Cities residents, the reopening is more than just another restaurant launch—it’s a chance to reconnect with a piece of Minnesota’s dining history. If you ever blew out birthday candles at a Chi-Chi’s, dug into sizzling fajitas with friends, or ordered one of their famous chimichangas, you know the nostalgia runs deep.
The restaurant industry in Minnesota is booming, with over 11,000 establishments generating more than $15 billion in annual sales. But few hold the same legacy as Chi-Chi’s. Its return represents both a nod to the past and a new chapter in Minnesota dining.
Whether you’re reliving fond memories or experiencing Chi-Chi’s for the first time, the St. Louis Park opening is sure to be one of the most talked-about events of the year in Twin Cities dining.
If you’re looking to live near the excitement of St. Louis Park, or anywhere in the Twin Cities, reach out—I help buyers and sellers find their perfect place in Minnesota’s most vibrant communities.
