Max’s Restaurant is Preparing for Florida Debut

Max’s Restaurant , the Philippines-based restaurant chain known as “The House That Fried Chicken Built,” is opening a new location in College Park at 907 University Boulevard, Suite 907 .

The company’s first Florida location is set to open in the former Town & Country Shopping Center, which is being redeveloped at northeast Arlington Expressway and University Boulevard in Arlington, according to a recent plan review application. This location has no exact timeline but will likely open in the next few weeks. This is an impressive move for the company, which now operates over 180 locations in the Philippines, 4 in the Middle East, and 21 in North America.

Max’s Restaurant started in 1945, after World War II, when Maximo Gimenez , a Stanford-educated teacher, befriended the American occupation troops stationed in Quezon City, according to the company’s website. Eventually, the soldiers became regulars at Maximo’s nearby home, prompting the founder to open a cafe where the troops could enjoy food and drinks. Now, franchise owners Nelson and Phoebe Soriano are preparing to make the company’s Jacksonville debut later this year.

“Over the years, Max’s Restaurant’s popularity grew, and it became known as “The House That Fried Chicken Built,” according to the company’s website. “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.”

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