Since its debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has built Firehouse 51 into one of TV’s most beloved ensembles. At the heart of that camaraderie has always been Molly’s—the pub where firefighters, paramedics, and friends gather to unwind. But for over a decade, one question has lingered in the background: who runs Molly’s when Herrmann and Kidd are on shift?
Molly’s Has More Staff Than Fans Realized
In “Bar Time,” Ambo 61 responds to an emergency at Molly’s and, for the first time, viewers see employees outside of Herrmann, Kidd, and previously Gabby Dawson. The bar isn’t just a 51 hangout—it’s a functioning business with staff to keep things running even when its firefighter-owners are on duty.
For longtime fans, this reveal makes perfect sense. Molly’s couldn’t realistically survive if it relied only on its firefighter proprietors. Still, seeing other workers behind the counter felt oddly jarring, as the bar has always been depicted as Firehouse 51’s second home.
A Familiar Face Returns at Molly’s
The episode also features a surprising return: Jack Damon, Benny Severide’s secret son and Kelly Severide’s half-brother. After being dismissed from Firehouse 51 by Chief Pascal, Damon resurfaces as a firefighter at another house—and as the person who calls 911 when a patron collapses at Molly’s.
The moment underscores how Molly’s continues to connect personal histories with ongoing drama. Even when the storyline doesn’t center on the pub, it remains a key backdrop for the show’s biggest character beats.Why Molly’s Is So Integral to Chicago Fire
Unlike many procedurals that focus solely on cases, Chicago Fire has always emphasized its characters’ personal lives. Molly’s is where friendships deepen, romances spark, and conflicts play out away from the firehouse.
It also represents the future for Herrmann. As he inches closer to retirement and grapples with leadership responsibilities at 51, Molly’s offers him a permanent place to stay connected to his team, even after he hangs up his helmet.
Molly’s and the Larger One Chicago Universe
In Chicago Fire’s early years, Molly’s often brought together characters from Chicago PD and Chicago Med. Recent seasons have limited those crossovers, but the 2025 One Chicago event reminded fans how powerful those connections can be.
Bringing Gaffney doctors or Intelligence detectives back to Molly’s—even occasionally—would strengthen the franchise’s sense of community while giving new characters more opportunities to bond with familiar faces.
Final Word: Molly’s Still Matters
Thirteen seasons in, Molly’s remains more than a set piece—it’s a symbol of Firehouse 51’s resilience, loyalty, and family spirit. Now that we know how it stays open when the firefighters are on shift, fans can stop wondering about logistics and simply enjoy the bar for what it is: the heart of Chicago Fire.
