Nostalgic food is trending big time this year, from Taco Bell launching a Y2K-inspired Decades Menu to McDonald’s recent revival of the McDonaldland meal—complete with the blue and pink Mt. McDonaldland milkshake. Beyond fast food, brands such as Coca-Cola and Retro Sours are revamping decades-old faves, including Diet Coke Lime and Altoids Sours.
Now, a beloved chain restaurant from the ’80s and ’90s is coming back—and fans are absolutely thrilled.
Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant To Reopen in Minnesota
Allrecipes / Chi-Chi’s
More than two decades after closing its last restaurant, Chi-Chi’s is reopening. The Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its fried ice cream, cheap drinks, and fun-yet-casual atmosphere was founded in Minnesota in 1975, and in its heyday, had more than 200 locations across the U.S.
However, despite being a cult-favorite brand, Chi-Chi’s filed for bankruptcy in 2003 before closing its doors for good in 2004. In October 2003, green onions served at a Chi-Chi’s location in Pennsylvania were linked to a Hepatitis A outbreak that sickened more than 600 people and killed four, per the Associated Press.
But now, more than 20 years later, the chain restaurant is back and “stronger than ever.” On Oct. 6, Chi-Chi’s officially returned to its home state and opened the restaurant’s St. Louis Park location as the new flagship for the brand’s relaunch.
“We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation,” said Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s original founder, in a press release announcing the chain’s comeback. “We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and investors who have helped make this moment possible, and we can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to experience Chi-Chi’s.”
Fans are already taking to social media to share their excitement. “If they have the same fried ice cream as the old days, that’s all I need,” wrote one Redditor. Another user chimed in, sharing, “Also need the chili con queso. Those two things and I’m so there!”
And luckily for fans, Chi-Chi’s new menu does feature the El Burro Con Queso—a burrito packed with meat, cheese, chili con queso, and the chain’s signature Ranchero Sauce. Other returning favorites include Chi-Chi’s Original Chimichanga, which is stuffed with beef, chicken, short rib, or red chili and the Original Nachos Grande.
Other highlights from the menu’s sneak peek include Quesabirria Tacos, a Manchego Burger, and Seafood Enchiladas stuffed with both shrimp and crab and covered in Chi-Chi’s lobster cream sauce.
In addition to revamped menu items, returning original favorites, and an upgraded bar experience, the new restaurant space features updated décor, with a comfortable and inviting ambience that’s perfect for family get-togethers, dinner with friends, or happy hours.
According to the press release, Chi-Chi’s plans to expand to additional locations in the future. But, in the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on flights to Minnesota so I can experience that chili con queso for myself.
