The summer before my senior year in high school, I got a job at a brand new restaurant in Terre Haute, IN. It was a Mexican restaurant that had just been built and was about to open its doors to the public. That restaurant was Chi Chi's.

Get our free mobile app

When did Chi Chi's restaurants officially close?

September 18. 2004. - Google

Why did Chi Chi's shut down?

According to the journaltimes.com,

A combination of bankruptcy and hepatitis drove the chain out of business. Chi-Chi's was founded in 1975 by restaurateur Marno McDermott and a former Green Bay Packers player, the late Max McGee.

Are there any Chi Chi's restaurants still open?

Sometimes, even though a chain closes restaurants near you, some remain. Is it true for Chi Chi's?

The U.S. chain never recovered, though there are Chi-Chi's restaurants in Europe, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. And you can still find Chi-Chi's-branded products, owned by Hormel, in supermarkets.

- kiplinger.com

Working at Chi Chi's back in the day

I worked at Chi Chi's from 1984 to 1985, and then during my summer breaks from college until 1991. I worked as a hostess, server, and trainer and was even considering becoming a manager. My time at Chi Chi's was so much fun. I made lifelong friends. It was just a bunch of college kids, and twenty-somethings, working and hanging out together. We worked hard and we played harder.

Best things learned working at Chi Chi's

I made so many friends, met my first husband, and learned the valuable skill of dealing with all sorts of people at ChiChi's. I also, and some would say, most importantly. learned how to make Chi Chi's Mexican Fried Ice Cream. 

One of my Facebook friends shared some vintage Chi Chi's photos with me and it blew up on my Facebook page when shared.

In several of the comments, the fried ice cream came up. So, I thought I would share the recipe with you. Now, since the restaurant no longer exists, you can still enjoy the iconic dessert at home.

How To Make Chi Chi's Fried Ice Cream

Step by step instructions on how to make the beloved Mexican restaurant inspired dessert.

How to Make Table Nachos

Evansville Area Ice Cream Shops

As the weather warms up, nothing sounds better than ice cream! Here's where to get your delicious sweet tooth fix in the Evansville area.

More From WKDQ-FM