Rich Van Wyk/Eyewtiness News
Indianapolis, September 19 - The lights are on but Chi-Chi's is out of business. The entire chain of Mexican restaurants folded Sunday night.
There is no explanation from Chi-Chi's headquarters in Louisville, just voice mail and web site messages.
Adios to millions of customers and roughly 7,000 employees nationwide.
Workers knew the chain was in trouble and suspected the closing was coming.
Last month a US bankruptcy judge approved Outback Steakhouse's purchase 76 of the restaurants for $42.5 million.
In addition, to the steak houses , OSI operates six other restaurant chains including Carraba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Former Chi-Chi's workers are looking forward to their last pay check as they look for other jobs. "With all the college kids getting jobs it will be difficult, but there are jobs out there," said former employee Don Cates.
Out there too are plenty of disappointed customers. "They got killer Margaritas," said one Chi-Chi's custiomer.
Not any more.
