"The family-dining chain introduced countless Americans to Tex-Mex food, bringing south-of-the-border flavors to the suburbs. Although perhaps even more than the cuisine, patrons of this formerly abundant chain likely remember the birthday festivities: Celebrants were gifted a giant sombrero."
"The original straw sombreros were made in Mexico and embroidered with the “Chi-Chi's” restaurant name in red thread. You can still find 'em on eBay for upwards of $60 (“Well kept from the 1980s”)."
"Others jump in to echo the Chi-Chi's praise, recounting fond memories like “I still have dreams about it” and “They gave me a sombrero for my 11th birthday. Like, a pretty nice one. For free.”"
"I miss this place. And although it can be embarrassing to have the wait staff sing 'Happy Birthday' in a restaurant, I loved the way they did it at Chi-Chi's with the giant sombrero."
Chi-Chi's brought Tex-Mex flavors to suburban America and became especially memorable for birthday celebrations. Many people who grew up in the Midwest during the 1980s and early 1990s recall being given a large sombrero as part of the festivities. Online posts and comments describe fond experiences, including receiving a 19-inch-wide straw hat and having staff sing “Happy Birthday.” Some accounts mention that the sombreros were made in Mexico, embroidered with the “Chi-Chi's” name in red thread, and could still be found for sale years later. The birthday policy may have varied by location, but the giant hat remained a defining tradition.
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