Beloved Tex-Mex Restaurant Chi-Chi’s Possibly Returning To Michigan
There are many restaurants that have come and gone, but none have had a more nostalgic Staying Power than the Tex-Mex restaurant Chi-Chi’s.
Over the years people have expressed how much they have missed the restaurant, which one had over 200 locations throughout the United States, and the most recent variation, which was in Austria, closed in early 2024.
Get our free mobile app
Even though they were a powerhouse in the 80s and 90s in the early 2000s, they suffered a terrible blow to their business, when a Hepatitis A outbreak, originating from green onions in their salsa, killed three people and got over 600 people sick.
That was the nail in the coffin for the franchise, as I soon entered into bankruptcy, with a period of lawsuits before closing down in 2004.
Now it seems that they are going to be making a triumphant return as the son of the restaurant co-founder Marni McDermott, Michael McDermott has announced that he’s planning to reopen multiple locations.
He recently released a statement, expressing his excitement and belief that this restaurant can bounce back:
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.
Is Chi-Chi's Re-opening In Michigan?
Where and when the restaurants will open is still up for debate and speculation, but they once had many locations in Michigan, so it isn’t far-fetched to think that it will soon return to our state.
Southwest Michigan Says Goodbye to Beloved Breakfast Spot
Some of The Best Rated Restaurants in Kalamazoo
There are some top-rated restaurants in Southwest Michigan based on Google reviews that I've shared below.
Gallery Credit: Google Street View