Key Takeaways:
- Chili’s will open its first-ever Scranton location on April 7, marking its long-awaited debut in the town famously featured in The Office.
- The new branch is packed with nostalgic touches, including throwback décor, the classic Chili's logo, and a recreated business lunch booth for fans to enjoy photo ops.
- The launch includes an ad campaign with The Office cast members and offers limited-time specials, like the $5 Scranton Marg and the return of the Awesome Blossom appetizer.
Chili’s Grill & Bar is opening its first-ever Scranton location on April 7, nearly 20 years after becoming unexpectedly tied to the famous sitcom.
Despite its memorable appearances on The Office, this is the chain’s first branch in Scranton, the show’s real-life setting.
In a nod to Chili's most iconic TV moments, the new restaurant features turn-of-the-millennium décor, the chain's old logo, and a recreated business lunch booth for photo ops.
The biggest news for longtime fans: the legendary Awesome Blossom onion appetizer is making a comeback, exclusively at the new branch!
The latest opening isn’t just another Chili’s branch — it’s a full-blown fan experience.
Guests will be greeted by a custom chalk mural from the original artist of the early 2000s and enjoy an ambience with colorful tile tables.
In a statement exclusive to DesignRush, George Felix, Chili’s CMO, explained the vision behind the project.
“Chili’s has such a strong connection to pop culture and nostalgia, and this was a rare opportunity to bring both to life in a really fun way. One of our most iconic pop culture moments happened in Scranton, even though we didn’t actually have a location there — until now.
We were intentional with every detail: we brought back the original chalk artist from the 2000s for custom murals, revived the classic Chili’s logo and fonts, recreated the business lunch booth, and made this the only location in the U.S. where you can get the Awesome Blossom.
So it’s not just a love letter to this pop culture moment, but also a way to celebrate our history.”
To launch the new location, Chili’s leaned into celebrity marketing, featuring familiar faces like Melora Hardin, Andy Buckley, and Amy Pietz in a nostalgic ad campaign.
Chili’s Doubles Down on Nostalgia
Chili’s main commercial takes customers through the new Scranton Branch, highlighting the signature tiled tables and must-visit appeal.
Fans of The Office might recognize some familiar faces in Chili’s latest ad, as several cast members from the beloved sitcom make appearances, giving them a chance to spot their favorite characters.
Among them, Andy Buckley, who played Dunder Mifflin CEO David Wallace, takes on the role of bartender, while Melora Hardin, known as Jan Levinson, sways in a booth as her assistant Hunter serenades her with the iconic Chili’s Baby Back Ribs jingle.
The spot wraps up with a star-studded cast inviting fans to stop by.
In another ad, Kate Flannery makes a playful cameo, swiping a “Scranton Marg.” To celebrate the new location, Chili’s will offer the drink for just $5 nationwide — but only on April 7.
The third ad highlights Chili's exclusive menu item — the Awesome Blossom.
The commercial stars Brian Baumgartner, who played Kevin Malone in the sitcom, explaining the beloved appetizer is named that because it's both "awesome" and a "blossom.”
Chili’s Scranton Branch is a smart play on nostalgia, turning a long-running pop culture joke into a real experience.
The mix of throwback décor and an exclusive menu gives fans a reason to feel connected to the brand, while limited-time promos like the Scranton Marg keep the buzz going nationwide.
Last year, Chili’s launched another nostalgia-driven campaign featuring a revamped “BurgerTime” arcade game.
