Why Chili's Canceled The Awesome Blossom (And The One Place You Can Get It)

CORRECTION 3/27/25: A previous version of this article stated the Awesome Blossom would only be available for a limited time. As of publishing, the Awesome Blossom is expected to stay on the menu at Chili's new Scranton, PA locations.

Chili's has achieved some kind of magical hold on Americans, surging in same-store sales while other casual-dining restaurants are flagging (or going out of business entirely, like Ground Round). The Dallas, Texas-based chain isn't without its missteps, though. Like the Costco food court, which has discontinued beloved items over the years, or Panera Bread, which has trimmed much of its menu, Chili's retired one of its tastiest offerings, the Awesome Blossom, all the way back in 2008. The dish, similar to the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion, featured an onion cut so that its petals opened like a flower's. It was battered, deep-fried, and served with a Buffalo Ranch dipping sauce. The reason for its cancellation? Its widely maligned nutritional content.

The Awesome Blossom was purported to contain over 2,700 calories, 200 grams of fat, and 6,000 milligrams of sodium. Chili's pulled it from the menu and replaced it with Awesome Blossom Petals, which were also discontinued not long after. But now, according to a press release shared with Food Republic, nearly 20 years after it disappeared from restaurants, the chain is bringing it back for a grand opening event at a new Chili's location in Scranton, Pennsylvania, called the "Scranton Branch." It will be available only at the Scranton restaurant starting April 7, 2025.

Does the name Scranton, Pennsylvania ring any pop culture bells? It's the real-life setting for the fictional Dunder Mifflin company in the hit 2000s comedy "The Office," which featured a fictional Chili's location in an early episode. And in addition to bringing back the classic 2000s Awesome Blossom appetizer, Chili's is going full early 21st-century nostalgia — recreating a Chili's atmosphere like the characters of "The Office" would have experienced in 2005, according to the press release. Not only will there be a business lunch booth photo op, but also the recognizable tile tables and vintage art.

Chili's knows most of its customer base doesn't live in Scranton, and therefore can't partake in the Awesome Blossom goodness, so it's offering something for everyone else on April 7. To make the opening of the "Scranton Branch" a nationwide affair, the chain is rolling out $5 Scranton Margs at all locations, and selling Scranton Branch merchandise online here.