The first film based on a graphic novel or comic book to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Coon Chicken Inn was a real restaurant chain, founded in 1925 in Salt Lake City. However it folded in the late '50s and never changed its name to Cook Chicken, as in the film.
The male Satanist is played, uncredited, by production designer Edward T. McAvoy. He got the part at the last minute, based largely on his resemblance to Anton LaVey, the director's first choice, who died in 1997. McAvoy had to shave his head completely bald for the scene.
According to director Terry Zwigoff, Steve Buscemi was so uncomfortable playing the role of Seymour that whenever shooting was finished for the day, he would immediately change his clothes so he could look completely different.
Enid Coleslaw, the main character's name, is an anagram of the film and comic book's author, Daniel Clowes.