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Chili's will open a special restaurant inspired by "The Office" in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, a few miles outside the TV show's hometown of Scranton, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Mar. 26. The "Scranton Branch" was announced 20 years after the US version of the comedy classic debuted on Thursday, Mar. 24, 2005.
"The Office" was set at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and its Scranton branch. The NBC hit prominently features Scranton, right down to a parody of a song from "Saturday Night Live" called "The Electric City".
Chili's was referenced several times on the show, even though it didn't have a real location in Scranton at the time. The chain restaurant was the setting for "The Dundies", an office-wide award ceremony at the center of the season two premiere episode.
Chili's Scranton Branch will open on Monday, Apr. 7.
"For decades, Chili's has inserted itself in culture – introducing the now-famous Baby Back Ribs jingle, and most recently unleashing Triple Dipper cheese pulls on TikTok," said chief marketing officer George Felix. "We've also seen the brand come to life on screen through the years, and that includes being tied to Scranton despite never having a location there. That changes this year with our newest restaurant."
Fans will instantly recognize the vibe. From a giant chalk mural by Chili's original 2000s artist to vintage decor and a perfectly recreated booth from the famous business lunch scene, this new location is more than just a restaurant — it’s a time capsule for "The Office" lovers.
Brian Baumgartner – the actor who played accountant Kevin Malone – said he's especially excited about the exclusive return of the Awesome Blossom, a deep-fried onion dish with Buffalo ranch dipping sauce that was discontinued in 2008.
"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," said Baumgartner. "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."
Brian Baumgartner, an actor from "The Office" who played Kevin Malone, is helping promote the new Chili's Scranton Branch restaurant inspired by the hit TV show.
Kate Flannery, a Philadelphia-area native who also starred as Meredith Palmer, is helping promote the "Scranton Marg" – a $5 margarita that'll be available at Chili's locations nationwide only on April 7.
"I'm the daughter of a bar owner and I've had enough margaritas through the years that I'm getting picky about them, and the Scranton Marg is a really good one," said Flannery.
Other actors from "The Office" will appear in advertisements promoting the Scranton Branch, including Melora Hardin, Andy Buckley, and Amy Pietz. One ad will be a spoof of local TV commercials, showcasing the 2005-era restaurant décor and even an infamous "that's what she said" joke.
Scranton and northeastern Pennsylvania have embraced the notoriety the region has gained in the two decades since "The Office" arrived from the UK. While some locals may have first worried the show would negatively lampoon the economic struggles of Rust Belt cities, "The Office" became a celebration of the area's unique charm.
The Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a self-guided tour based on "The Office" and real locations featured on the show. Fans can check out murals, the former paper mill seen in the opening credits, and several restaurants frequented by characters.
The former mill of the Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company, which was seen in NBC's "The Office".
Scranton even holds The Office 5k, an annual road race that pays homage to the two-part episode when the Dunder Mifflin crew held a charity fun run.
"The fun doesn't stop at the finish line," the race's website said. "The Party Planning Committee has you covered with exciting activities planned for Friday night and Saturday after the race. Just like in the show, expect quirky games, hilariously awkward moments, and even a couple of Dundie Awards."
Fans of "The Office" who can't make it to the former stomping grounds of Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, and Jim Halpert can also sign up on Chili's website for a chance to win two special t-shirts celebrating the Scranton Branch.
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