In preparation, Rashida Jones "took some serious Call of Duty" lessons from the writers, as they all play the online game.
In the diner scene Rainn is actually eating on every take -no spit bucket. Rainn likes the idea of actually eating on camera. Also, his pouring of the syrup without breaking eye contact is written in the script.
When Dwight and Jan are eating lunch at the diner, Melora Hardin starts breaking character and laughing, but she quickly covers it up with her coffee cup.
Pam tells the viewers that Michael made the office watch an episode of Entourage (2004) six times. Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight, guest stars in one episode of Entourage.
There is actually both a Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor outlet store, exactly one hour outside of Scranton, on the direct route to New York City. This is the Crossing's Outlet Center in Stroudsburg. However, it's Exit 299 off of Interstate 80, not Exit 40, as stated in the episode.