Chi-Chi’s, Former Mexican Restaurant Chain, Plans a Comeback

Chi-Chi’s, the Mexican restaurant chain that closed 20 years ago, is poised for a revival next year after Michael McDermott, the son of one of the founders, announced a deal with Hormel Foods.

Under the agreement with Hormel, which owns the brand’s trademarks, Mr. McDermott will be able to use the Chi-Chi’s name on newly opened restaurants in 2025.

In a news release announcing the deal, Mr. McDermott said he had “fond memories” of growing up in Chi-Chi’s restaurants.

He credited his father with instilling in him “the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry.”

Mr. McDermott said in a statement on Friday that the new business venture was “in the early stages of planning by securing funding” but shared that the first two restaurants to open will be in Minnesota.

He did not clarify where in Minnesota the sites would be or how many restaurants might ultimately be opened under the revival.