Surprising Stories from the Set of the Sitcom Alice

If you ever felt like the real star of Alice was simmering in a pot behind the counter, you’re not wrong. Chili was the signature dish at Mel’s Diner — the go-to comfort food that kept customers coming back for more sass with their supper.

The show even had some fun with it when Art Carney guest-starred in an episode where Mel tries to bottle his famous recipe as “Chili con Carney.” Yes, really. It’s peak Mel — big dreams, bigger ego, and just enough ambition to think his diner chili could conquer America.