CHILI’S has revealed its plan to honor an iconic television show with a brand new location.
Consumers are eagerly preparing for the new restaurant’s grand opening next month.
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On April 7, Chili’s Scranton Branch will start welcoming diners for the first time in the Pennsylvania city made famous from The Office, per a Wednesday news release.
The company wants to “pay homage to some of Chili’s most notable on-screen moments, with throwback nods and decor” featuring the beloved comedy series.
For those who have watched The Office, Chili’s was notably featured during the first episode of Season 2 called “The Dundies,” where Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) hosts a makeshift awards ceremony for employees at Dunder Mifflin.
Chili’s has even brought back some of the actors from the series to help with its advertising campaign for the new Scranton restaurant, including Melora Hardin, Andy Buckley, Kate Flannery, and Amy Pietz.
George Felix, chief marketing officer at Chili’s, emphasized that the company wanted the location to “feel like a familiar home to fans.”
Upon walking inside the restaurant for the first time on April 7, diners will also be greeted with a “giant Chili’s Scranton Branch chalk art mural” designed by an artist who has completed works for Chili’s since the early 2000s, per the release.
There’ll also be vintage art around the booths and bar.
The tile tables Chili’s is known for are also back, and there’s even a retro business lunch booth for photos.
BLOSSOM’S RETURN
One of the most unique aspects of the Scranton Branch might be that it’s the only Chili’s location that will have the Awesome Blossom back on the menu.
The Awesome Blossom is a deep-fried onion cut into a blossom-like shape.
Pieces can be pulled by dinners and dipped in Chili’s Buffalo Ranch.
It was around for years before being discontinued in 2008.
Starting April 7, it’s back exclusively at the Scranton Branch and being highlighted by The Office cast member Brian Baumgartner.
Baumgartner said the “Scranton Branch” Chili’s was like going back in time for him.
“Seeing Chili’s Scranton Branch was like stepping into a time machine, especially if that time machine could also spit out the greatest appetizer of all time, the Awesome Blossom,” he noted in the release.
Fast Food meal deals
Here are some of the current value meals offered by popular fast food joints.
Taco Bell’s $7 Luxe Cravings Box:
- Chalupa Supreme
- Beefy Five-Layer Burrito
- Double Stacked Taco
- Chips and nacho cheese sauce
- Medium drink
McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal:
- McDouble or McChicken sandwich
- Four-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Small fries
- Small soft drink
Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag:
- Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Four-piece chicken nuggets
- Junior fries
- Small soft drink
Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal:
- Whopper Junior, Chicken Junior, or Bacon Cheeseburger
- Fries
- Four-piece chicken nuggets
- Soft drink
“Scranton is a city I’m very protective of, and working with Chili’s to open this location was a natural fit.”
“The Chili’s team pulled out all the stops in creating this restaurant, and I’ll be stopping in for an Awesome Blossom every time I come visit,” Baumgartner added.
MARG MADNESS
Another menu addition is the Scranton Marg, a $5 part glass that won’t be exclusive to the new Chili’s location and will be offered at all of its over 1,200 locations across the country starting April 7.
Except, it’s availability is for “one day only,” so The Office and Chili’s fans must move fast.
Chili’s Scranton Branch merchandise including t-shirts and other items will also go live on the restaurant’s website starting during the grand opening.
There’s even a free giveaway that can be entered on social media through Chili’s accounts.
More information can be found on a page dedicated to the Scranton Branch.
News of the Scranton Branch also comes after Brinker (Chili’s parent company) CEO Kevin Hochman promised customers the restaurant would be “back in the culture again” in 2025 with five changes.
A longtime Chili’s fan also recently revealed the two crucial hacks to get the most food in a meal for less than $9.
