Max's Restaurant

A popular Filipino restaurant chain known for its fried chicken

Max's Restaurant is a renowned Filipino restaurant chain, celebrated for its signature fried chicken and a variety of traditional Filipino dishes. Established in 1945, Max's has grown from a single location to a global brand, with numerous branches both in the Philippines and internationally.

History

Max's Restaurant logo

Max's Restaurant was founded by Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, who decided to open a cafe in Quezon City after World War II. The cafe initially served American soldiers stationed in the Philippines, offering them a place to relax and enjoy home-cooked meals. The soldiers particularly enjoyed the fried chicken, which became the restaurant's signature dish.

As the popularity of the restaurant grew, Maximo's niece, Ruby Trota, suggested expanding the menu to include more Filipino dishes. This decision helped solidify Max's reputation as a purveyor of authentic Filipino cuisine.

Expansion

A branch of Max's Restaurant in Malolos

In the decades following its inception, Max's Restaurant expanded significantly. By the 1970s, it had established itself as a household name in the Philippines. The restaurant's success led to the opening of multiple branches across the country.

In the 1980s, Max's began its international expansion, opening its first overseas branch in the United States. Today, Max's has locations in North America, the Middle East, and Asia, catering to both the Filipino diaspora and local patrons who appreciate Filipino cuisine.

Menu

Max's Restaurant is best known for its "sarap to the bones" fried chicken, which is cooked to a golden crisp and served with a side of banana ketchup. The menu also features a wide array of traditional Filipino dishes, such as kare-kare, sinigang, pancit canton, and lumpia.

Desserts at Max's include classic Filipino sweets like halo-halo, buko pandan, and leche flan. The restaurant also offers a selection of beverages, including sago't gulaman and calamansi juice.

Cultural Impact

A typical Max's Restaurant interior

Max's Restaurant has become an integral part of Filipino culture, often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. Its presence in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex underscores its cultural significance.

The restaurant has also been featured in various Filipino films and television shows, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

Related pages

• Filipino cuisine
• List of restaurant chains in the Philippines
• List of fast-food chains in the Philippines

Gallery

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  Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

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  Max's famous fried chicken