According to a press release from Chi-Chi:
For anyone who’s ever said, “I miss CHI-CHI’s,” this is for you. Chi chi®The legendary Mexican restaurant known for its bold flavors and festive atmosphere is officially back with a revamped design and a crave-worthy menu. CHI-CHI’s will open on October 6 at 1602 West End Blvd., ready to welcome fans both familiar and new to experience the renewed energy of the brand.
Led by restaurant industry veteran Michael McDermott, son of CHI-CHI co-founder Marno McDermott, the brand’s relaunch has achieved a major milestone with the debut of its first location.
We’re bringing back the food, energy and fun people love, now with a new twist for a whole new generation.
In the 1990s, it had more than 200 locations in 19 states. However, after the bankruptcy of the parent company and a deadly hepatitis C outbreak, all Chi Chi locations were closed by 2004. Let’s not forget the more than 500 patients and four deaths. I can’t forget my friends, Richard and Linda.
On October 13, 2003, Richard Miller and his wife, Linda, stopped at Chi Chi’s restaurant in Monaca, Pennsylvania, for lunch, and left with…Hepatitis A virus. Later in the month, they both developed body aches, loss of appetite and energy, and jaundice. But while Linda recovered within a few days, Richard’s condition became more serious. When he became incoherent and unable to stand, he was admitted to hospital, where he was sedated and eventually placed on life support. Richard eventually needed a liver transplant, during which he went into cardiac arrest. He made it through the process, only to begin a new life in which his previous abilities were severely compromised and his life span may have been shortened.
In his own words, Miller said: “I don’t have my life anymore. I don’t love it. I’ll never get it back. I have this monkey on my back. I feel like a burden to Linda.”
The food that changed Rich Miller’s life forever turned out to be green onions imported from Mexico that were served raw in the restaurant’s salsa, as well as in many of Chi Chi’s other dishes.
While investigating the outbreak, the Pennsylvania Department of Health identified 650 cases of hepatitis A arising from imported onions. Four victims eventually died of hepatitis C caused by hepatitis A infection.
Bill Marler called on Chi-Chi’s to take responsibility for the outbreak and pay the victims’ lost wages. Although Chi-Chi’s Restaurant had filed for bankruptcy shortly before the outbreak, Marler was able to file protections that would have allowed the restaurant to avoid compensating victims.
Marler Clark successfully resolved 78 claims on behalf of victims of the Chi Chi hepatitis C outbreak, obtaining a $6.25 million settlement for Richard and Linda Miller.
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