Whitefish restaurant group buys Max & Erma's chain

Whitefish-based Glacier Restaurant Group has acquired the Max and Erma’s casual dining restaurant chain.

Based in Ohio, Max & Erma’s has 51 locations in 10 states, primarily in the Midwest. Glacier Restaurant purchased the chain from American Blue Ribbon Holdings.

Glacier Restaurant owns a number of restaurants found in Whitefish, including MacKenzie River Pizza, Ciao Mambo, Craggy Range Bar & Grill and Latitude 48. Financial mogul William Foley II is chairman of the restaurant group.

“We are excited to welcome Max & Erma’s to our portfolio of restaurants,” Glacier Restaurant president Brad Ridgeway said in a press statement. “It is a great brand that has a tradition of being an important part of the communities each location serves.”

Founded in 1972, Max & Erma’s serves burgers and other American classics. It was influential in creating the theme restaurant trend with fun, local artifacts and paraphernalia covering the walls.

The brand has struggled recently, and 13 under-performing locations were closed earlier this month. American Blue Ribbon Holdings bought the chain out of bankruptcy six years ago.

Glacier Restaurant plans to revive the brand through investments.

“We’re very optimistic about Max & Erma’s potential,” Ridgeway said.

“Our goal is to build on the groundwork established by ABRH and take menu innovation, quality control, community involvement and brand culture to the next level.”

Glacier Restaurant spokesperson James Blystone said the Whitefish office is expected to grow with the acquisition. The company also will have a regional office in Columbus, Ohio.

After purchasing Max & Erma’s, Glacier Restaurant will have more than 2,000 employees.

Blystone was mum on whether Flathead residents can expect a Max & Erma’s anytime soon.

“We will look for strategic growth opportunities,” he said.