Max & Erma’s Restaurants

Max & Erma’s Restaurants is a regional casual dining chain that has been serving classic American comfort food since its founding in Columbus, Ohio in 1972. The brand began as a single neighborhood tavern and gradually expanded across the Midwest over several decades, becoming well-known for its burgers, sandwiches, and signature desserts. One of the company’s most notable milestones was its growth during the 1980s and 1990s, when it reached more than 100 locations at its peak and became a familiar name for families and groups in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana.

Over the years, Max & Erma’s has experienced several ownership changes, including a bankruptcy in 2009 and a series of acquisitions. In 2017, Glacier Restaurant Group, a Montana-based operator specializing in regional concepts, acquired the brand. Since then, Max & Erma’s has focused on maintaining its core identity and stabilizing operations rather than pursuing aggressive expansion. As of November 2025, the company operates approximately 10 locations, with its footprint primarily concentrated in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

During the past five years, Max & Erma’s has shifted from broad expansion to a more conservative approach, limiting new openings to franchisee-driven opportunities and occasional conversions within its established markets. The brand continues to emphasize a nostalgic, welcoming dining environment and remains active in local communities, hosting annual promotions such as free meals for military personnel on Veterans Day.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Max & Erma’s stands out as a recognizable tenant with a long operating history and a proven casual dining format that fits well in suburban and small-market retail centers. Although the company’s current growth posture is measured, its established reputation and adaptable restaurant model offer stability and credibility in select Midwest markets.