It’s been nearly 20 years since “The Office,” the popular workplace mockumentary, first featured an episode set within a Chili’s restaurant. In the memorable episode, the show’s main character, Michael Scott, handed out Dundie awards to his long-suffering employees, recognizing achievements like having the “whitest sneakers” or “stinking up the bathroom.”
Throughout its nine seasons, “The Office” frequently referenced real locations and products associated with Scranton, the setting for the award-winning series. Fans of the show would recognize places such as the pirate-themed Cooper’s Seafood House and Poor Richard’s Pub located within a local bowling alley. However, in 2005, a Chili’s did not exist in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Finally, the chain is bridging the gap in the show’s lore by opening a Chili’s in Dickson City, just about six miles north of Scranton.
The newly planned Chili’s restaurant will embrace nostalgia, being decorated as if it were still the mid-2000s, complete with vintage signs and chalkboard art. It will even include direct nods to the show’s fictional paper company, Dunder Mifflin. In one of the early episodes, Michael Scott, portrayed by Steve Carell, ordered the famously deep-fried “awesome blossom” to woo a prospective client. Although this item had been removed from Chili’s menu nationally, it will make a return exclusively at the Scranton-area location.
Scheduled for an April 7 opening, the new Chili’s will also introduce a special “Scranton marg” available across the country that day. To promote the new location, actors Brian Baumgartner and Kate Flannery, who played characters Kevin Malone and Meredith Palmer, respectively, appear in commercials for the restaurant. Additional promotional efforts include other cast members like Melora Hardin, Andy Buckley, and Amy Pietz.
Reflecting on the occasion of the restaurant opening, Baumgartner expressed that it feels as though an overdue correction has been made for “The Office” fans.
Years ago, when it was announced that an American adaptation of the British show “The Office” would be set in Scranton, some locals feared their community would merely serve as comedic fodder. The town, part of the Rust Belt, was more noted in its past for coal mining and steam train industries. However, as Baumgartner noted, the show ended up celebrating Scranton and its characters, granting a sense of pride rather than mockery.
Flannery, a Philadelphia native, shared that she takes satisfaction knowing “The Office” contributed to bolstering local pride in Scranton. The city has held large events celebrating the series, drawing thousands, including cast members, during notable occasions like the 2013 series finale. The program’s availability on streaming platforms has only amplified its popularity.
Citing Pam Beesly’s (played by Jenna Fischer) sentiment in the series finale, Flannery alludes to the idea that there is beauty in ordinary things, and that Scranton, often seen as mundane by some, possesses real uniqueness and charm.
“The Office” relied on donations from local businesses and individuals for memorabilia and regularly gave nods to local spots. John Krasinski, who portrayed Jim Halpert, filmed parts of the iconic opening montage in Scranton, lending global recognition to sites like the Penn Paper building and the welcoming Scranton sign, which was relocated due to frequent tourist interest.
For Chili’s, having a themed restaurant intended to attract fans isn’t the typical business pathway, as explained by the chain’s chief marketing officer. At the time of the show, the nearest Chili’s was around 19 miles from Scranton before eventually closing.
Given the association with Scranton through the show, this particular location represents an important branding opportunity. Baumgartner comments that the opening is linked with a pivotal “Office” episode—The Dundies—kicking off the second season and setting the tone for the show’s revival.
The episode in question introduced viewers to a vulnerable Pam, who, upon winning the “whitest sneakers” award, famously declared, “I feel God in this Chili’s tonight.” Although the character was banned for her behavior, the ban was humorously lifted years later, inviting her back.
Sharing about the new restaurant, Flannery said it closely resembles the show’s depiction of Chili’s, making it a compelling destination for fans of “The Office,” providing them with an authentic glimpse into the beloved show’s world.