CHI-CHI'S™ Restaurants Partners with Investment Platform StartEngine to Launch Crowdfunding Initiative

• Overwhelming Enthusiasm Over CHI-CHI'S Resurgence Announcement Leads to Decision to Offer an Ownership Stake to Public 
• Backed by Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, StartEngine's Community has Utilized the Platform to Invest $1.3B into Startups
• First New CHI-CHI'S location set to open this year in Minnesota

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As CHI-CHI'S, the iconic Mexican chain restaurant, gears up for a 2025 comeback, Michael McDermott, the founder's son who has the restaurant rights to CHI-CHI'S, announced his plans to offer the public a stake in the brand's relaunch through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF). Utilizing StartEngine, a leading alternative platform that allows everyday investors to invest in startups, collectibles, and other alternative assets, CHI-CHI'S is inviting investors of all backgrounds to have a seat at the table.

This latest news follows last year's announcement of the return of CHI-CHI'S. In his decision to pursue crowdfunding, McDermott aims to allow the public to grow alongside CHI-CHI'S from the ground floor. CHI-CHI'S is looking to raise $3.5 million with a minimum investment of $250.00 in exchange for equity in the brand.*

"The enthusiastic response to our announcement about bringing back CHI-CHI'S was overwhelming – greater than I ever anticipated," McDermott said. "Millions of former customers and thousands of former employees were buzzing about it on social media, sharing fond memories of their experiences. I want to engage with the CHI-CHI'S community as much as possible with the comeback. This opportunity is open to eligible investors in accordance with applicable securities laws, and anyone who contributes is playing a pivotal role in the future of CHI-CHI'S."

Funds raised through this offering may be used for CHI-CHI'S highly anticipated planned expansion, subject to business needs and discretion. The first restaurant is scheduled to be opened in Minnesota this year, converting Rojo Mexican Grill in St. Louis Park to CHI-CHI'S. Investors will be part of an early-stage expansion strategy with both company-owned and franchised opportunities, as CHI-CHI'S plans to continue its relaunch within the Midwest and East Coast.

To learn more about the opportunity, please visit https://www.startengine.com/offering/chi-chis-restaurants.

StartEngine was founded in 2015 by Howard Marks with the mission of helping entrepreneurs and allowing people access to private investment opportunities. The company is advised by Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary. Through StartEngine, public users can browse investment opportunities, buy shares in exchange for company equity, then continue to invest, hold their current shares, or sell eligible securities.

About Chi-Chi's Restaurants, Inc.
Founded by Michael McDermott, Chi-Chi's Restaurants, Inc. is a recently founded company revitalizing the iconic CHI-CHI'S restaurant, which proudly served the Minneapolis community for 28 years. With a mission to deliver high-quality, value driven meals in a modern and lively atmosphere, the group is poised for success in their relaunch to the full-service dining industry.

*Investing in startups and early stage businesses involves risks, including illiquidity, lack of dividends, total loss of investment and dilution; and it should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Any projections or future plans mentioned in this release are not guaranteed outcomes.

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SOURCE CHI-CHI’S™ Restaurants