For over a decade, fans of Chicago Fire have watched the drama, the chaos, and the heartfelt camaraderie at Firehouse 51. But through all the blazing action and intense rescues, one question has lingered in the back of our minds: How on earth is Molly’s still in business? Season 13 finally delivers an answer — and wow, was it worth the wait.
Let’s break down what this reveal means for long-time fans, the character arcs it impacts, and how it changes everything we thought we knew about Chicago’s most iconic fictional bar.
🍻 Molly’s Bar — More Than Just a Hangout Spot
Molly’s isn’t just a bar — it’s the bar. It’s where deals go down, where romances start, and where every firefighter in Chicago seems to grab a drink after a long shift. But let’s be real — how does it financially survive with almost no visible customers except our favorite crew?
🧠 The Long-Standing Mystery — Who Keeps Molly’s Afloat?
It’s a fan-favorite location, but let’s talk logic.
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Molly’s is rarely full.
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The main clientele? Firehouse 51.
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They’re never shown doing a big Friday night rush or hosting events regularly.
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And yet… it’s always open. Always staffed. Always there.
So naturally, fans began speculating.
💸 Fan Theories That Tried to Explain It
Here are some of the best (and wildest) fan theories over the years:
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Secret investor? Maybe someone rich is keeping it afloat for sentimental reasons.
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Money laundering? Hey, it’s a drama show — anything’s possible.
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City funding? Some thought the city might be subsidizing it as a safe space for first responders.
But none of these were confirmed — until now.
📺Season 13 Episode X — The Big Reveal
Finally, in Season 13, the writers gave us the moment we’ve been waiting for. In a casual convo between Herrmann and Mouch, the real reason Molly’s stays afloat is revealed — and it’s as brilliantly simple as it is emotional.
💥 The Truth About Molly’s Success
Ready for it?
Molly’s is a registered nonprofit for first responders.
Yep. Turns out, several years ago, with dwindling revenue and rising rent, Herrmann got creative. With a little help from a retired paramedic-turned-lawyer (that’s a whole subplot we barely noticed), he registered Molly’s as a 501(c)(3) charity. They host low-key fundraisers, get donations, and benefit from grants.
📃 How It Works Behind the Scenes
This detail was dropped almost offhandedly, but it makes everything click.
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Tax breaks keep costs low.
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First responder grants help pay for upkeep.
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Local donors contribute because of Molly’s impact on the community.
It’s not just a bar — it’s a safe haven. And people are willing to keep that dream alive.
💖 Why This Matters to Fans
We needed this answer. For years, it’s been a running joke in the fandom — “Molly’s has one table occupied per night and somehow survives?!” Now that we know the truth, it’s actually heartwarming.
🌟Adds Depth to Herrmann’s Character
Herrmann has always been the “guy who makes things work,” but this just proves it. He wasn’t just lucky — he was smart, resourceful, and cared deeply about community.
He didn’t just want to save a bar; he wanted to save what Molly’s represents.
👫 It Strengthens the Found Family Theme
The bar isn’t just a place to get a beer — it’s home. By making Molly’s a nonprofit, it becomes part of the larger theme that runs through Chicago Fire — chosen family, loyalty, and community.
📣 Why the Writers Waited Until Season 13
Why hold onto this reveal for so long? Here’s why it actually makes sense:
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Build-up matters: A payoff like this means more when it’s been simmering for 10+ years.
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Character-driven storytelling: Revealing it during a Herrmann subplot adds emotional weight.
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Fan engagement: Keeping the mystery alive kept the fandom buzzing and theorizing.
🎬 It Wasn’t Just a Throwaway Detail
Even though it was a quick line, it wasn’t filler. In fact, the episode used this reveal to spark new arcs — now, there’s talk of expanding Molly’s into a community center, offering mental health resources for first responders.
Plot twist? Yes. And a meaningful one.
🏙️ Molly’s Is Now a Symbol of Chicago’s Heart
It’s no longer just a watering hole for fire crews. With this reveal, Molly’s becomes a literal lifeline — a community-backed safe space with history, meaning, and purpose.
🔍 The Hidden Clues Were There All Along
Go back and rewatch older seasons — there are little hints:
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Flyers for local fundraisers.
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Occasional mentions of “keeping the lights on.”
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Scenes where Herrmann subtly thanks people for “helping out.”
It was there. We just didn’t see it.
📈What This Means for the Future of ‘Chicago Fire’
This opens new doors:
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More community-driven storylines.
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Molly’s hosting therapy nights, veteran outreach, or educational programs.
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A possible spinoff show? Who knows — Molly’s: The Series has a nice ring to it.
🎯 It Also Sets a New Standard in TV Writing
Long-running shows often drop details or leave plot holes. Chicago Fire just showed us how to tie up a loose end in a way that’s satisfying, emotional, and future-focused.
🔥 Final Thoughts: A Decade-Old Question Finally Answered — Perfectly
When a show runs for over a decade, little mysteries become part of the charm. But it’s rare for those mysteries to get satisfying resolutions. Chicago Fire just proved that when writers pay attention, when they trust the intelligence of their fans, and when they build with intention — magic happens.
Molly’s isn’t just surviving. It’s thriving. And now, we finally know why.
