Minnesota Restaurant Gone for 20 Years Making a Comeback

We have been hearing so much about food contamination, e coli, salmonella, you name it.  And back in 2003, that is exactly what closed an otherwise popular restaurant chain that was based in Minnesota.

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In the early 2000s, Chi Chi's Mexican restaurant unfortunately had a hepatitis A outbreak that was linked to some green onions that were an ingredient in their salsa.  This did not happen in Minnesota, it was in Pittsburgh, Pa, but it lead to the closure of Chi Chi's restaurants across the country.

Since then, Chi Chi's products such as their jars of salsa, tortillas and taco seasonings have been sold by Hormel, and have been available in grocery stores for the last 20 years.

Now, the actual brick and mortar restauants may be making a comeback in Minnesota.

According to Bring Me the News, Marno McDermott, who was the original part owner of Chi Chi's, has a son who would now like to reopen the restaurant.  His son is Michael McDermott, along with Hormel Foods, is planning to launch a revival of the original restaurant.

“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,"

And if you love the salsa, tortillas, and other seasonings that are available in grocery stores, you will still be able to purchase those.  Even if the restaurants do come back, there are no plans to discontinue the products from the retail option.