Yes, the classic Season 3 sketch was based on a real place. Which one, however, is a point of debate for the cast and writer.

By Samantha Vincenty Feb 14, 2025, 2:54 PM ET

When it comes to iconic early Saturday Night Live sketches, “The Olympia Restaurant: Cheeseburger, Chips, and Pepsi” ranks up there. Set at a bustling diner where customers can have anything they’d like (so long as it’s among the three items actually on offer), the proprietor and cooks played by John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray quickly dispel anyone’s notions about ordering something else. Such as, oh, breakfast, or a single beverage that isn’t Pepsi.

Starring most of the original cast — minus Chevy Chase, who’d departed halfway through Season 2 — and Host Robert Klein, it quickly made the phrase “cheeseburger, cheeseburger” cultural shorthand. 

So much so, in fact, that it inspired an actual namesake burger chain. And another real Chicago institution has claimed to be real-life inspiration for the sketch, inspiring a debate between “Olympia Restaurant” writer Don Novello and stars including Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. 

A scene from The Olympia Restaurant sketch on Saturday Night Live Season 3 featuring John Belushi. Photo: NBC

Writer Don Novello says SNL‘s Olympia Cafe is based on Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern

“Olympia Restaurant: Cheeseburger, Chips, and Pepsi” was the first of five sketches featuring the Olympia Café gang. It premiered on the January 28, 1978, episode with Host Robert Klein and Musical Guest Bonnie Raitt. It was written by Don Novello, a cast member, writer, and two-time Host of the show, best known for his character Father Guido Sarducci. 

As for what real-life restaurant inspired SNL‘s Olympia, Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern proudly lays claim to that honor on their website. Per the lore they share, like many who’ve worked in downtown Chicago over the decades (including this writer), Don Novello used to eat lunch at Billy Goat during his time as an advertising copywriter there. They even have a photo of Novello paying a visit years later.

Citing the “cheeseburger” chant in the sketch, the site says, “such rantings by the Billy Goat staff have gone on for almost 40 years and originated when [owner Sam Sianis] and another Greek immigrant by the name of Bill Charuchas would entertain patrons by yelling out: ‘Try the double cheese! It’s the best! No fries, cheeps!'” See More At NBC!