CHICAGO — “Saved By The Bell” fans have a seat at the cool table thanks to the new pop-up diner Saved By The Max, which opens for business Wednesday.
The Chicago creators have gone to great (borderline obsessive) lengths to ensure that each seat is smack in the middle of the most authentic Bayside experience you will get this side of a television screen.
Here are just five of the special details they thought of that may blow your mind:
1. The Sign
Make no mistake. You. Are. Here. The Max has come to life and the pink glow of the incredibly spot-on neon tells you you’re going to be friends forever.
2. The Doorway
The Max
The jagged pink edging, the door handle, even the glimpse of the outside makes us think Zack could walk through the door at any moment. And then there’s that payphone. The number listed? 1-900-CRUSHED. You know, Zack’s advice line?
3. Shout-outs to show references
Like the bell to first period, Saved by the Max customers are treated to a mural as soon as they walk in. On it, you will find several tributes that include Zack’s cellphone (ginormous by today’s standards, but incredibly cool for the early 90s), the tragic heroine Becky the Duck (who met an untimely end when they found oil under the Tigers’ football field) and Jesse’s brief (yet memorable) addiction to caffeine pills.
4. Jesse’s Locker
Jesse’s locker at Bayside is also in the doorway. Look for Jesse’s ChapStick, her love for George Michael and real photos from cast photo shoots that the show’s creators provided to the diner.
5. Bathroom Graffiti
Are you a Preppie? Or a cheerleader? Either way, like any good high school bathroom, there’s plenty to read on the walls. You didn’t think they’d forget about Tori, did you?
These are just some of the many thoughtful points at Saved By The Max, but, when you go, make sure to look, listen and taste for more.
The pop-up diner is located at 1941 North Ave and will be open through the end of August.
Most dinner reservations are sold out, but they do accept a handful of walk-ins each night as well as brunch and late night dining.
More information at: SavedByTheMax.com
