Leslie David Baker, best known for his role as the curmudgeon Stanley Hudson on the hit sitcom "The Office," has embarked on a new career venture, opening a Honey Baked Ham franchise in Sherman Oaks, California. The grand opening event this past weekend saw a mini-reunion of his former "Office" castmates, including Rainn Wilson, Phyllis Smith, and Craig Robinson, who came out to support Baker.
Baker, 68, expressed his joy at sharing the moment with his colleagues. "It was such a joy to be able to share such a delicious moment with my friends, family and cohorts from The Office," Baker told The Daily Mail. "Lots of fun, laughter, and good food."
The new restaurant marks the return of the Honey Baked Ham franchise to the neighborhood, a void Baker aimed to fill after struggling to find a suitable replacement for a previously closed location. "I came home one day and was complaining about waiting in the long line at another store," Baker told NBC Los Angeles, explaining his motivation to open his own establishment. The Sherman Oaks shop offers a variety of meats, salads, and desserts, aiming to provide a one-stop solution for families.
The grand opening celebration featured complimentary tastings, a live DJ set, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Baker, who co-owns the shop with Tony Vinnie, shared his pride on Instagram, calling it a "new home to our neighborhood."
This career pivot is not Baker's first major change. At age 40, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting after working as an administrator in the Chicago health department. "The Office" premiered in 2005, propelling Baker to wider recognition for his portrayal of the perpetually disgruntled salesman Stanley Hudson. Despite the passage of time since the show ended in 2013, Baker embraces the continued recognition from the beloved character.
"The Office," which aired for nine seasons, earned five Emmy Awards. The American version was based on the UK series of the same name. The show starred Steve Carell as branch manager Michael Scott, with Wilson, John Krasinski, and others as his employees. Recently, "The Office" creator Greg Daniels launched a spin-off series, "The Paper."