Chi-Chi's Restaurant Coming Back To Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota

There was a time when folks could enjoy awesome Margaritas and Mexican food at Chi-Chi's Restaurants in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. The restaurant chain could be coming back!

Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's, founded in Minneapolis in 1975 by Marno McDermott and Max McGee, plans to relaunch in 2025.

According to Bring Me The News McDermott stated, “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,"

Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota-Canva

Hormel Foods has secured a trademark agreement with Michael McDermott, the founder's son, to revive the restaurant brand.

Despite closing its last restaurant in 2004, Chi-Chi's has maintained popularity through its Hormel-produced food products like salsas and seasonings.

Michael McDermott believes there's an opportunity to reintroduce the restaurant with an updated dining experience while preserving the original Mexican flavor.

Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota-Canva

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown