ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — A beloved restaurant brand with deep Minnesota roots is preparing for a major comeback. Chi-Chi’s, the once-popular Mexican restaurant chain, will begin construction on its new flagship location in St. Louis Park following the closure of Rojo on Aug. 31.

The relaunch marks the first step in reviving Chi-Chi’s, which originally debuted in Minnesota in 1975 when former Green Bay Packers player Max McGee and restaurateur Marno McDermott teamed up to create a lively, flavor-packed dining experience. The chain grew to more than 200 restaurants across the U.S. before shuttering in 2004.

Now, under the leadership of Michael McDermott, son of co-founder Marno McDermott, the brand is being reintroduced to a new generation of diners. McDermott announced in a press release that the St. Louis Park location will serve as the flagship for Chi-Chi’s rebirth.

"Chi-Chi's is coming back stronger than ever," said McDermott, founder of Chi-Chi's Restaurants, LLC. "We’re bringing back the food, the energy, and the fun that made Chi-Chi's a household name and giving it a fresh twist for a whole new generation. I’m especially grateful to every supporter and investor who has helped make this moment possible."

The new space is expected to feature Chi-Chi’s signature bold flavors, a refreshed menu, and vibrant décor designed to recreate the brand’s lively atmosphere. The goal, McDermott said, is to capture the nostalgia of longtime fans while offering an updated experience that appeals to modern diners.

The St. Louis Park restaurant is slated to open before the end of 2025, with grand opening details to be announced soon. According to the press release, it will serve as the launchpad for additional Chi-Chi’s locations in the future.

Local residents are also noting the significance of Chi-Chi’s returning to Minnesota, where the brand was born. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with a piece of dining history.

The relaunch comes after an agreement with Hormel Foods, which owns the Chi-Chi’s trademarks, allowing McDermott to bring the restaurant brand back to life.

The Maple Grove Rojo restaurant will remain open, while the St. Louis Park Rojo will officially close at the end of August to make way for Chi-Chi’s long-anticipated return.

McDermott emphasized that Chi-Chi’s isn’t just reopening — it’s reintroducing itself to a market that has changed dramatically since the chain closed two decades ago. The comeback aims to strike a balance between honoring its legacy and creating a fresh experience.

"We’re excited to reintroduce Chi-Chi’s where it all started," McDermott added. "This is more than just a restaurant — it’s the revival of a community favorite, and we can’t wait to share it again."

The latest updates on Chi-Chi’s revival will be available through the brand’s official website and social media channels in the months leading up to the grand opening.

Originally reported by Katie Wermus in Fox 9 News.