If you were born in the 80s, Saved by the Bell was likely a huge part of your childhood. Everyone watched as Zack, Kelly, Screech, and Lisa graduated from middle to high school, where they were joined by Slater and Jesse. Anyone who witnessed their triumphs, struggles, and laid-back encounters knows that, through it all, they always gathered at a local diner called The Max.
Photo Credit: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank
Well, sometimes dreams come true, because if you visit Chicago between now and the end of August, you can check out an exact replica of the diner called Saved by the Max.
Photo Credit: NBC Chicago
In a plan that the scheming Zack Morris would find totally genius, a vacant restaurant space in Chicago’s Wicker Park has been redesigned by owner and die-hard fanboy Derek Berry, who turned it into an exact replica of The Max.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The space was revamped after he spoke with representatives from NBC Universal (which owns rights to the show).
Photo Credit: Facebook
They were immediately on board and helped ensure that the pop-up diner was an perfect match, down to “the corner of the door,” Berry said.
Photo Credit: David Miller
The eatery will be open through Aug. 31 for ticketed dinners, offers walk-in brunch, and has late night service.
Photo Credit: Facebook
You can even dine in Mr. Belding’s office!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Tickets for the dinners have already sold out, of course. OF COURSE THEY HAVE.
Photo Credit: Lou Foglia/Sun-Times
Chef Brian Fisher curated a menu that includes A.C. Sliders, Mac & Screech, and a Preppy BLT. Also, because this is real life after all, there is a cocktail menu.
Photo Credit: Lou Foglia/Sun-Times
Actor and magician Ed Alonzo, who played diner owner Max, got in on the fun by appearing during opening week at the pop-up diner to entertain the guests, along with other local actors who dressed as your favorite characters to heighten the experience.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Caitlin Tauer Jackson
Luckily for you, we happen to know some of those actors and were able to acquire some kickass pictures from the event that you won’t see anywhere else.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Caitlin Tauer Jackson
You’re welcome.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Caitlin Tauer Jackson
“Unfortunately, I don’t think there’ll ever be like a ‘Saved by the Bell’ television special reunion. I think this is as close as I’ll get to it,” Alonzo said. “This is better than the original Max that we used to shoot the show on over at NBC.” Currently, the restaurant is only slated to operate through August 31st, but the owners are open to running it longer, should the high level of interest continue.
That means you need to get yourself there, because when it closes, it will be a sad day indeed.
