Established
1972
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$1,200,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$2,400,000
Home Based
No
Description
MAX & ERMA’S is a well-known American casual dining brand that blends nostalgic charm with contemporary comfort food. Recognized for its made-from-scratch burgers, indulgent desserts, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, the brand has built decades of emotional connection with guests across the United States. More than just a restaurant, MAX & ERMA’S represents a classic American dining experience where quality food, friendly service, and a relaxed setting come together.
Positioned in the casual dining restaurant segment, MAX & ERMA’S appeals to families, working professionals, and social diners looking for reliable, sit-down meals with broad menu appeal. The brand’s focus on burgers, sandwiches, comfort entrées, and signature desserts gives it strong cross-generational demand and repeat traffic potential. With flexible dine-in and off-premise options, MAX & ERMA’S continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to its heritage.
For franchise investors, MAX & ERMA’S offers the opportunity to own a recognizable American restaurant brand with proven menu appeal, established operating systems, and strong brand recall—especially in markets that value casual, approachable dining concepts.
Why Invest in the MAX & ERMA’S Franchise?
Investing in MAX & ERMA’S means aligning with a brand that has stood the test of time in a competitive restaurant industry.
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Strong Brand Recognition: Decades of presence in the U.S. casual dining space create instant credibility with customers.
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Proven Casual Dining Model: A full-service restaurant format designed for steady dine-in traffic, group dining, and family occasions.
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Broad Menu Appeal: Burgers, comfort classics, desserts, and beverages attract a wide customer base.
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Repeat Customer Potential: Nostalgic branding and consistent food quality drive loyal guest relationships.
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Adaptable Revenue Channels: Dine-in, takeout, catering, and third-party delivery help diversify income streams.
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Scalable Franchise Systems: Operational processes, menu controls, and marketing frameworks are designed for multi-unit growth.
Background
- Brand Name: MAX & ERMA’S
- Industry Category: Casual Dining / Full-Service Restaurant
- Established Year: 1972
- Founders: James “Max” Waller
- Origin: Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Franchise Active Units : MAX & ERMA’S operates approximately 7 active restaurant locations across the United States, primarily in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
MAX & ERMA’S was founded in 1972 by James Waller, who envisioned a neighborhood restaurant inspired by the comfort, warmth, and familiarity of a local tavern. The brand quickly gained popularity for its gourmet burgers, hand-crafted recipes, and fun, welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, MAX & ERMA’S expanded across multiple U.S. states, becoming a recognizable name in American casual dining.
The brand has experienced various ownership transitions throughout its journey, adapting its business strategy to changing market conditions while maintaining its core identity. Today, MAX & ERMA’S continues to focus on quality food, guest experience, and operational consistenc
Market Presence: United States
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Business Model: Full-service casual dining restaurant with franchise expansion opportunities
The brand’s legacy and loyal customer base provide a solid foundation for franchise partners looking to reintroduce or grow the concept in select markets.
Support Training
MAX & ERMA’S offers structured franchise support designed to guide owners from pre-opening through ongoing operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and location analysis
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Restaurant layout and design standards
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Vendor sourcing and equipment specifications
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Pre-opening checklists and timelines
Training Programs
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Comprehensive initial training for franchisees and management teams
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Kitchen operations, food safety, and quality control training
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Front-of-house service standards and guest experience training
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POS systems and inventory management education
Operational Support
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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily restaurant management
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Menu execution standards and recipe consistency
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Labor management and scheduling guidance
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Ongoing operational audits and performance reviews
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing strategy frameworks
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Grand opening promotional guidance
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Digital marketing, social media, and local store marketing tools
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Brand-approved creative assets and campaigns
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational consulting
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Menu updates and product innovation
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Franchisee communication and system updates
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Business performance benchmarking
Ideal Candidate
The ideal MAX & ERMA’S franchisee is a hands-on or semi-absentee owner with a passion for hospitality and guest service.
Preferred Qualities:
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Experience in restaurants, hospitality, or multi-unit operations (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Commitment to brand standards and food quality
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Financial capability to develop and operate a full-service restaurant
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Willingness to be involved in community engagement and local marketing
Investment Capability:
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Ability to meet total investment requirements
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Access to sufficient working capital
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Strong credit profile and business acumen
Location Preference:
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Suburban or urban trade areas
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High-traffic retail corridors
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Family-oriented neighborhoods with strong dining demand
This opportunity is well-suited for experienced restaurateurs, multi-unit franchise operators, and investors seeking a recognizable American dining brand.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,200,000 – $2,400,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1.2 Million+ |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $600,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening Expenses | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~4% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fund | ~2% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 Months |
| Expected ROI | Medium to Long-Term (Location Dependent) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery, Catering |