Stepping into a Chili’s always comes with a warm welcome and an anticipation for some signature menu items. One iconic food that goes back to the restaurant brand’s beginning has not been served in many years. Thanks to the special Chili’s “Scranton Branch,” the Awesome Blossom is back, and Brian Baumgartner wants you to come to his table to enjoy one.
Announced recently, Chili’s is opening a special “Stranton Branch.” As many The Office fans know, the iconic comedy often featured Chili’s. Those few margs at the end of the day lead to a night of hilarity.
As part of the Stranton Branch launch, Chili’s is bringing back its iconic Awesome Blossom for that special opening. For those unfamiliar with the delicious appetizer, it is a deep-fried onion, cut into a blossom shape. It is served with Chili’s Buffalo Ranch dipping sauce.
To help bring this special location and menu offerings to life, Chili’s went to Scranton’s best poker and drum player, Brian Baumgartner, aka Kevin from The Office, to help spread the awesomeness for the Awesome Blossom. Through his partnership with Chili’s, Baumgartner graciously answered some questions for FoodSided.
Cristine Struble: In your role as Kevin, you created quite a connection with chili, including judging contests and writing a cookbook. Do you think that this Chili’s collab will get people thinking about a new chili connection?
Brian Baumgartner: Obviously, it’s a very weird thing for me. The word “chili” follows me literally everywhere I go, so when I was first approached about doing this with Chili’s, I felt like it was this meta thing - like the word is coming back. Chili’s, of course, refers to the chili peppers and nothing at all of the delicious bean laden meal that I enjoy so frequently. I guess it just makes sense not only because of the word, but more importantly, the association and the feelings that I have about Chili’s is because of what happened in The Office. Chili’s is the setting for the very first Dundie Awards, and since that episode came at the beginning of season two, it was the first time we left the office set to go on location together, where we all had something to do.
It was a very ensemble episode, and it really launched the success of the show, which came in the second season. The importance of the place can’t be overstated. The fact that finally, after 20 years, they’ve built a Chili’s for real in Scranton was fun and certainly something I wanted to be a part of.
CS: Unfortunately, Kevin has an infamous spilling incident. Do you have any suggestions to avoid spilling the Awesome Blossom sauce on yourself?
BB: If I’m carrying it, we’ve learned in a new television show, you always yell “corner.” So that’s important.
But look, I’m notorious for spills and the problem for me is any spill can’t just be a spill – it becomes a reference to “the spill.” So, I have to be particularly careful. I’m not overly successful, but I’ve gotten better at not dropping things over time. But let’s be honest, sauces are difficult. If anyone has some helpful tips, I’m happy to listen.
CS: What is your favorite Chili’s menu item and/or food and beverage combination?
BB: I grew up in Atlanta, and we had a Chili’s very, very close to our house, so we went there quite a bit. I remember the Dip Trio. That was always a fun family item. But in truth, I remember the Awesome Blossom and it being both Awesome and a Blossom. So I’m excited that they’re bringing it back now exclusively for Chili’s Scranton Branch.
I was hearing stories from some of the chefs and other people from Chili’s when I was there in Scranton, and the fun fact - it’s not easy to make. It’s quite difficult, the Awesome Blossom, which is one of the reasons it was discontinued. More people complain about it being discontinued than any other item. So, the fact that they’re bringing it back – as difficult as it is to make – exclusively for my home branch, the Chili’s Scranton Branch, I’m really excited about that. It’s just as good as my memory serves – it's delicious.
CS: Many of the stars of Chili’s commercials have a connection to the restaurant or are a Chili-head. Do you have that connection?
BB: 100%. My feelings and connection about a restaurant that, one, I enjoyed and, two, meant so much to the development and success of the show, are everything. The Office truly gave me everything I have now, and you can’t go anywhere office-related and not see the Dundies. I may be the only person in America who doesn’t have a Dundie, which is a wrong that needs to be righted at some point, honestly.
I would say that I’m more than just a ChiliHead, but it’s not just that I enjoy the food. It brings such warm and amazing feelings to me because of the time that we spent there. I’m really happy to go back to Scranton – my adopted hometown – and visit its first Chili’s 20 years after the show started. It’s very special.
The Scranton Branch will be open exclusively on April 7 and the Awesome Blossom will only be available at that location. In addition, the Scranton Marg will be available nationwide on April 7 for just $5.