03 Chi-Chi’s: A Celebration of Tex-Mex
Before Mexican cuisine was readily available in every American suburb, Chi-Chi’s introduced millions of families to chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, and massive margaritas. Founded in Minnesota in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee, the chain embraced a festive “Mexican garden” atmosphere that made it the premier destination for birthday dinners and weekend celebrations.
For decades, you could count on Chi-Chi’s for an endless supply of warm tortilla chips, mild salsa, and their famous deep-fried ice cream. The company eventually fell on hard times due to increased competition and filed for bankruptcy in 2003. A devastating Hepatitis A outbreak traced back to contaminated green onions sealed its fate, and the remaining U.S. and Canadian locations closed by 2004.
While you can still find Chi-Chi’s branded salsa in your local grocery store aisle, the physical restaurants vanished—though the founder’s son recently announced efforts to revive the brand.
