Chili’s to Open Retro-Themed Restaurant in Scranton Inspired by ‘The Office’
Fans of The Office will soon have a reason to visit Scranton, Pennsylvania, as Chili’s is set to open a retro-themed restaurant in the city, paying tribute to the hit NBC sitcom.
The new location, opening on April 7, marks Chili’s first-ever restaurant in Scranton, despite being a significant part of The Office’s legacy. The announcement comes nearly 20 years after the iconic “Dundies” episode, where employees of Dunder Mifflin gathered at a Chili’s to celebrate their annual awards night.
According to the restaurant chain, the Scranton location will feature nostalgic design elements inspired by its early 2000s aesthetic, including chalk art murals recreated by the original artist and colorful tile tables. Additionally, the Awesome Blossom onion appetizer, which was discontinued in 2008, is making a comeback as part of the restaurant’s retro revival.
To celebrate the launch, Chili’s has enlisted several actors from The Office for promotional campaigns, including Melora Hardin (Jan Levinson), Andy Buckley (David Wallace), Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone), and Kate Flannery (Meredith Palmer). One of the ads features Hardin being serenaded with Chili’s classic “Baby Back Ribs” jingle, while another shows Flannery sneaking off with a “Scranton Margarita”, a special drink the chain will offer nationwide for just $5 on April 7 in honor of the grand opening.
Chili’s on a Winning Streak
Chili’s resurgence is not just limited to nostalgic Office fans – it is also seeing a major sales boom.
The chain reported a 31% jump in sales last quarter at locations open for at least a year, marking its third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. A combination of menu upgrades, social media buzz, and strategic marketing has helped propel Chili’s back into the spotlight.
Some of its biggest successes include revamped French fry and chicken tender recipes, viral TikTok videos showcasing its mozzarella sticks, and the resurgence of its “Triple Dipper” appetizer platter, which lets customers mix and match three items for under $20.
Additionally, the return of the “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back…ribs” jingle in 2023 has fueled nostalgia-driven interest, helping the chain cement its comeback.
With its recent success, Chili’s parent company, Brinker International (EAT), has seen a stock surge of over 230% in the past year. The company is now looking to apply the same magic to its Maggiano’s Little Italy brand, which recently introduced a Michelin-starred chef-led menu revamp.
For now, all eyes are on Scranton’s new Chili’s, where fans of The Office can finally relive the legendary Dundies night – without worrying about getting banned like Pam Beesly.
