DELAWARE - One of Delaware's most beloved dining landmarks is getting ready for its close-up. The Charcoal Pit recently announced that it served as a filming location for the upcoming road-trip comedy Unaccompanied Minor, hosting production company Armory Films and comedian-turned-actor Matt Rife.
The Charcoal Pit's management expressed their excitement on social media, sharing their enthusiasm about bringing a piece of local history to the big screen.
"It was a pleasure hosting the cast and crew, and we’re excited to see one of Delaware's most iconic restaurants make its way to the big screen,” the restaurant shared. "Thank you to everyone involved for choosing The Charcoal Pit as part of the production. We look forward to seeing the finished film!”
What is Unaccompanied Minor About?
Directed by David Dobkin—best known for comedy hits like Wedding Crashers and Fred Claus—Unaccompanied Minor follows the story of a young boy named Ethan who is flying unaccompanied to a private boarding school. When his flight is suddenly grounded, Ethan defies his father's wishes and reroutes to his mother's house in Rochester.
To make the trek, he enlists the help of Decker (played by Matt Rife), a recently fired, womanizing flight attendant who needs extra cash. As the duo embarks on an East Coast road trip filled with delays and disasters, they form an unlikely bond and learn a few crucial life lessons along the way.
Hollywood Comes to the First State
While the film's plot spans a journey up the East Coast, the production has heavily used Delaware to bring the story to life. The decision to film locally reportedly stemmed from Armory Films' owner, who has ties to the state.
The Charcoal Pit isn't the only local landmark to catch the location scouts' eyes. In recent weeks, film crews for Unaccompanied Minor have also been spotted shooting scenes at the historic Newark train station and various locations throughout Old New Castle.
For Delawareans, seeing their local stomping grounds featured in a major Hollywood comedy is sure to be a treat. With its classic retro diner aesthetic, The Charcoal Pit is a natural fit for a cinematic road trip pitstop, and fans of the restaurant's famous burgers and milkshakes eagerly await the film's eventual premiere to see the hometown staple on the silver screen.
