Max & Erma’s, home to America’s Best Cheeseburger, has named Steve Weis president. Parent company American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC (ABRH) hired Weis last summer as vice president of operations.
“Steve has been extremely effective in directing Max & Erma’s turnaround,” said Hazem Ouf, ABRH chief executive. “His leadership, enthusiasm and creative ability can be felt throughout the organization. Our sales have grown, and the level of service has significantly improved.” Until Weis’ promotion, Ouf had served as Max & Erma’s president, with Weis responsible for day-to-day operations.
Max & Erma’s last month reopened a location in the Toledo, Ohio area that the previous owner closed, while a Missouri franchisee has recently opened two new restaurants. Max & Erma’s also is in the midst of a large-scale program to remodel both company and franchised units.
Previously, Weis was vice president of Operations for Thomas & King, Inc., one of Applebee’s largest franchisees. Before that, he was senior vice president of Operations for Jillian’s Entertainment. He, his wife and family are Columbus residents.
Acquired in September 2010 by Denver-based ABRH, the casual restaurant chain with a strong heritage has undergone a remarkable transformation that includes a reversal of double-digit sales declines, a revamped menu, a renewed focus on guest service, a new marketing strategy and introduction of a new restaurant design. Max & Erma’s continues to be known for its fun, quirky personality, fresh never-frozen burgers, community involvement and charitable donations.
Max & Erma’s, founded in Columbus in 1972, operates or franchises some 75 restaurants in 10 states.
More information about Max & Erma’s is available at http://pressroom.maxandermas.com/.