The Real Reason The Cheesecake Factory On The Big Bang Theory Looks So Different

Fans of the now-finito "The Big Bang Theory" know that there are a few regular spots that the characters prefer. Of course, there's Caltech, where the group of friends and roomies work, but the most frequently visited non-apartment sets include the comic book store and the Cheesecake Factory. Penny (Kaley Cuoco) worked at the restaurant chain for multiple seasons, and even after Penny quits to focus on her acting career, she still visits the Cheesecake Factory as a customer, along with the rest of the brainy gang. The location is also responsible for bringing two characters together. Without the Cheesecake Factory, audiences may never have been treated to the relationship between Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg).

However, if you've ever darkened the door of a Cheesecake Factory in the world, you already know that the fictional version on "The Big Bang Theory" is nothing like reality. Instead of a mid-scale restaurant, Penny's version of the chain looks more like a cross between a diner and an Irish pub. Then there's also the issue of staff uniforms. You'd be hard-pressed to find servers wearing Penny's uniform get-up, complete with a blue skirt and yellow sweater-vest over a ruffled white shirt. For a show that's rooted in logic, facts, and obviously, science, it's quite strange to see such great disparity. So what's the deal?

The Cheesecake Factory is mentioned dozens, if not hundreds, of times throughout "The Big Bang Theory." And while we're sure the restaurant loved the free advertising and publicity, the truth is, there wasn't a business agreement between it and the show, as confirmed by an unidentified spokeswoman for the chain, who was interviewed by the Star Tribune. However, she shared that the Cheesecake Factory is "really pleased" to be highlighted on the series.

Indeed, the chain's marketing strategy includes a modest advertising budget when compared with similarly branded restaurants. According to Market Realist, instead of going big and glossy with commercials, the Cheesecake Factory relies on word of mouth and social media to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming in. And really, there's no better way to get buzz than by repeated mentions on a long-running, hit television show that's now in syndication. It's not as if Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) trashes the chain during any scenes, so why not? Besides, we get to live out our Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake dreams vicariously through the cast, with some laughs, scientific facts, and heartwarming moments thrown into the mix. Seems like a win-win strategy to us.