RESTAURANTS Is it adios to Chi-Chi's? Outback closes on deal

Outback plans to use many of Chi-Chi's locations for its own brands.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Chi-Chi's, the Mexican restaurant chain, may have served its last chimichanga.
Outback Steakhouse Inc. this week closed on its $42.5 million deal for the rights to 76 restaurants in the Chi-Chi's chain, which was beleaguered by bankruptcy and a hepatitis outbreak in western Pennsylvania.
Outback plans to convert many of the restaurants into its own brands -- which include its signature Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Bonefish Grills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars, Roy's and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants.
"We felt it was a good opportunity to acquire a large number of good locations that we can use for our brands," said Joseph Kadow, senior vice president for Outback Steakhouse Inc., based in Tampa, Fla.
The deal did not include Chi-Chi's brand, its restaurant operations or any recipes, Kadow said.
A statement posted on Louisville-based Chi-Chi's Web site said, "We would like to thank all of our loyal customers of the past 27 years and with a tear in our eye, say Adios."
A recorded message on Chi-Chi's toll-free guest relations hot line said the chain was no longer in business and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the closure of its restaurants.
The chain's parent, California-based Prandium Inc., declined to comment Wednesday on the fate of Chi-Chi's.
Effect of outbreak
Chi-Chi's was left reeling by a hepatitis A outbreak last fall that sickened 660 people who ate at a Beaver County, Pa., restaurant. The outbreak, traced to green onions, killed four. More that 300 victims filed claims seeking damages from the company.
Chi-Chi's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a few weeks before the outbreak, as a result of unrelated cash-flow problems.
A call to a Chi-Chi's bankruptcy attorney in Delaware was not immediately returned.
The chain had about 100 restaurants at the time of the hepatitis outbreak, but the company said earlier this year that it would close more than two dozen.
William Marler, a lawyer for plaintiffs suing Chi-Chi's over the outbreak, said Outback's successful bid for the rights to the Chi-Chi's restaurants would not affect pending cases.
Marler, of Seattle, said about 150 of approximately 325 claims have been settled, with $7 million paid out so far. He said plenty remains in an insurance pool to pay off claims.
Outback's stock fell 63 cents to close at $40.91 in trading Wednesday.