Only One Location of this Once-Popular Chain Restaurant Remains in Minnesota

Over the years chains have come and gone. They're a part of Minnesota's past and it's always sad to see them go even if you've never been!

One that comes to mind right away is Chi-Chi's. It's a Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant that was founded in Minnesota in 1975. All of their locations shut down in 2004 after a "hepatitis A outbreak at a Pennsylvania location that was traced to green onions".

However, Chi-Chi's plans to make a comeback this year! We aren't sure where they plan to re-open but I would imagine Minnesota is on the list.

ALSO READ: Whatever Happened to Chi-Chi's?

But another chain restaurant whose locations have been vanishing, at least in Minnesota, is Long John Silver's.

The History of Long John Silver's

This seafood fast food chain was founded in 1969 but was at its prime from 1979 to 1989. However, problems struck when the company was sold multiple times, increased debt, and I also heard that the quality went down as well.

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Long John Silver's locations started closing around the country. Bring Me the News reported that in 2002 there were 1,200 locations across the US. Today, there are only 482 locations left with most of them in Indiana (52), Kentucky (42), Ohio (52), and Texas (69).

Minnesota's One Remaining Long John Silver's Location

In August of 2022, Minnseota's second-to-last Long John Silver's location (which was in Mankato) closed leaving just one in the entire state.

If you're looking for those Long John Silver's hush puppies, you'll need to head to the Mall of America. That's where the last location stands in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.