This wise Max built his house upon...

Happy campers all!

As if on cue, our stomachs led us to a place where the familiar circular sign of a rooster and hen is displayed adjacent to the bright white letters that read The House That Fried Chicken Built. While waiting for our table, my eyes spotted a wall with an image of the original restaurant which still operates today. Flashback scenes from the not-so-recent past suddenly appear:  a birthday celebration, the delivery of our new Orange VW Beetle, a cousin’s graduation party, Sunday brunch after Mass, etc.  A common thread that sews these childhood memories together is a restaurant that serves “Sarap-to-the-bones” fried chicken and other equally tasty dishes -  MAX’S RESTAURANT.

I’ve dined at a Max’s Restaurant in different locations over the last 4 decades. Last year, my high school buddy Erle even took me to the Jersey City branch! They consistently serve that crispy, juicy fried chicken I’ve known for many years. My chicken should always be accompanied with a dip/mix of banana ketchup, worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. This is my comfort food!

History

Max's Restaurant's beginnings started in 1945, after World War II. Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, befriended the American occupation troops stationed at Quezon City. Because of this friendship, the soldiers regularly visited Maximo's nearby home for a drink or two. Later on, the troops insisted that they pay for their drinks. This prompted Maximo to open a cafe, where the troops could enjoy food and drinks. It opened its first restaurant at 21 Scout Tuazon, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City.

The cafe initially served chicken, steak and drinks. Maximo's niece, Ruby, who managed the kitchen, created a special recipe for chicken that became an instant favorite for the GIs. Soon, the Filipino public heard about the delicious chicken recipe and thus they came to the small restaurant and Max's Restaurant was born.

Over the years, Max's Restaurant's popularity grew and it became known as "the house that fried chicken built." It has expanded in Metro Manila, Southern and Northern Luzon, Cebu, and to California and other places in the United States. It has also expanded to Canada with plans of opening restaurants to other countries.

Max's Restaurant has established itself as a household name in the Philippines, an institution, and a proud Filipino tradition. The second and third generations of the family continue to zealously uphold the standards and traditions set by Maximo and Ruby for all Max's Restaurants.

It opened its doors to franchising in the second quarter of 1998.