Chi-Chi's Revived 20 Years After Deadly Pittsburgh Hepatitis Outbreak

PITTSBURGH, PA — Twenty years after going out of business after spawning the nation's deadliest hepatitis outbreak ever in Pittsburgh, Chi-Chi's restaurants will begin a comeback in 2025.

Hormel Foods, which owns the Chi-Chi's trademark, has struck a deal with restaurateur Michael McDermott to use the name on eateries beginning next year. Hormel for years has used the Chi-Chi's moniker various Mexican items sold in groceries nationwide.

"I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi's restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry," McDermott, the son of Chi-Chi's c0-founder Marno McDermott, said in a news release.

"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."

At its peak in 2003, Chi-Chi's had more than 200 locations nationwide. That was before a hepatitis outbreak that was traced to people eating contaminated green onions at Chi-Chi's Beaver Valley Mall location.

According to Food Safety News, ultimately there four deaths and more than 650 confirmed cases of hepatitis A linked to that particular Chi-Chi's location. The victims included at least 13 restaurant workers and residents of six other states.

Two decades later, it remains the nation's largest hepatitis outbreak.

The incident sounded the death knell for the chain, which already had declared bankruptcy.

It is unclear if Chi-Chi's plans to open any Pittsburgh locations. The news release did not reveal where the new Chi-Chi's eateries will be or when they will open.