Chi Chi’s has rejected the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority’s latest offer of $975,000. HURA also offered $200,000 in relocation funds.

“It is not equitable, it is not fair,” said Rob Carl Friday about HURA’s offer. “We base that on the business value and the success of our restaurant.” Carl is Vice President of media relations for Prandium Inc., Chi Chi’s owner.

Carl expressed disappointment in the way Chi Chi’s has been treated by the city fathers. “The city fathers have a disregard for fair business,” said Carl. “We have been a tax contributor….and we weren’t even offered the very location that we own today,” he added.
He said that over the past 5 years no one has offered them the spot they now occupy. “The city fathers have dishonored us and our commitment to Huntington,” said Carl. “We put our hard earned capital on a piece of land in a blighted area, and we built a building there.”

“The next step is up to Ron Smith and HURA to rethink their offer,” said Carl. “In the meantime, it’s business as usual for us.”

Ron Smith, HURA chairman, was unavailable for comment. David Harrington, treasurer of HURA, said that he has heard nothing official from Chi Chi’s about the offer.

“We are hopeful that Chi Chi’s will make a counter-offer,” he said. Harrington said that HURA wants to reach some kind of settlement with Chi Chi’s. When asked if HURA would increase their offer, Harrington said “we possibly could offer more.”

Rob Carl thinks other businesses should think twice before locating in Huntington.

Carl said, “HURA will sell you an umbrella when it’s raining and then grab it back when the sun starts shining.”