Max’s to expand further in the United States

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-owned Max’s Restaurant is strengthening its presence in the United States, with plans to open more branches in the next five years.

The company is targeting to build at least three restaurants in San Diego, California from now until 2020, its top official said yesterday.

Max’s has partnered with De Borja Inc. for its North America expansion, making the fifth agreement signed by the Max’s Group for the year, said Max’s Group president and CEO Robert Trota.

“We are excited to extend our footprint in North America through our partnership with De Borja Inc., a diversified group with a long track record of business excellence. It is our pleasure to serve the citizens of San Diego including our countrymen based overseas,  a taste of home,” he said.

De Borja is family-owned and operates multiple businesses in various industries, including restaurants, retail, wholesale, working with the government sector, high schools, colleges, vendors, collaborations, and working overseas, Trota said.

It welcomed the partnership with the Max’s Group, saying many residents of San Diego want to see a Max’s Restaurant finally open in their area.

“We are honored to be in partnership with Max’s Group and ecstatic to spread the standards, tradition and experience set by its founders in San Diego. Our extensive research determined that the people of San Diego have been clamoring for a Max’s Restaurant,” De Borja Inc. managing director Krystle De Borja said.

Max’s currently operates a network of 171 branches including 19 franchised stores abroad.

In September, it also signed a deal with L Concepts Ltd. to bring its Sizzlin’ Steak brand to Vietnam, with a target to build 10 stores in the Southeast Asian country in the next five years.

The partnership with L Concept marks Max’s third development agreement for the year after signing deals to bring 15 Yellow Cab restaurants within ten years in Saudi Arabia and 10 Yellow Cab branches within five years in the United Arab Emirates.