New York CNN —Chi-Chi’s, the Mexican restaurant chain that closed 20 years ago, is staging a comeback. Chi-Chi’s, started in Minnesota in 1975 by Marno McDermott and Green Bay Packers player Max McGee, would eventually expand to more than 200 locations. However, the chain closed in 2004 following a hepatitis A outbreak at a Pittsburgh-area location traced to green onions served in its complimentary salsa, sickening about 650 people and resulting in four deaths and several hundred lawsuits. Outback Steakhouse bought Chi-Chi’s in a $40 million deal and closed the remaining restaurants. The Chi-Chi’s branding, which is still used on packaged food and margaritas, will continue to be sold at stores.

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Persons: New York CNN —, Michael McDermott, weren’t, Marno McDermott, Max McGee, “, ” McDermott, Hormel, Chili’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Hormel, Chi, Green Bay Packers, Steakhouse, Kona Grill Locations: New York, Mexican, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, United States