Chicago's ‘Saved by the Bell'-Themed Pop-up Diner Announces Celeb Appearance

Chicago’s highly-anticipated “Saved by the Bell”-themed pop-up diner is about to get even more authentic.

Aside from food named after famous characters on the iconic television series and décor mirroring the popular Bayside hangout, guests at Saved by the Max will also be greeted by a familiar face during the June opening – Ed Alonzo, also known as Max.

The magician who owned the go-to spot on the 90s show will be serving diners and performing magic tricks as part of the “Bayside After Dark” special from June 1-4.

The late-night events will also feature 80s vs. 90s nights, a weekly variety show with an in-house band called The Zack Attack, trivia challenges and TV-oke.

Originally planning to only be a one-month pop-up for June, the restaurant announced in April that it would be keeping its doors open until the end of August after an overwhelming response in ticket sales.

“The response that we’ve received since first announcing has been a dream come true for us,” Derek Berry, the man behind Saved by The Max, said in a statement. “We knew that every aspect of the diner from the food, service, and programming, to the final interior buildout needed to be a one of a kind experience for fans. When we open our doors we hope it’s going to be everything that people have been waiting for and more. We couldn’t be happier how everything has come together.”

The restaurant will be located at the Storefront Co. at 1941 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park.

Menu items include things like AC Sliders, Preppy BLT, Macaroni & Screech, Belding Fries and a Lisa Turtle Milkshake.

The pop-up opens its doors Wednesday, June 1 and will run through the end of August.

Offering nightly dinner service, weekend brunches and a late night menu, the diner also plans to have celebrity hosts, special events, DJs and live music.

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