American Blue Ribbon Holdings, the new owner of Max & Erma’s Restaurants, on Wednesday named Jeff Neely concept president of the casual-dining chain.
ABRH, a subsidiary of Denver-based Fidelity Newport Holdings LLC, also said Wednesday that it had finalized its $28 million acquisition of the 78-unit Max & Erma's out of bankruptcy.
Neely comes to Max & Erma’s from Village Inn, which ABRH also purchased out of bankruptcy along with its sister chain Bakers Square.
Hazem Ouf, president of ABRH, praised Neely for turning around Village Inn as that company’s vice president of operations.
Neely started his foodservice career in the 1970s at Donatos Pizza, based in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where Max & Erma’s also has its headquarters.
He has held senior executive positions in operations, franchising and human resources at a variety of chains, including Domino’s Pizza, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
“I am excited to take the helm of Max & Erma's, and looking forward to helping the chain once again become a significant player in the casual-dining arena,” Neely said. “Being a native of Columbus and having grown up with very fond memories of the Max & Erma's brand, this truly is a childhood dream of mine coming true.”
Max & Erma's previously was owned by G&R Acquisitions Inc., a Pittsburgh-based company led by restaurateur Gary Reinert Sr. The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2009.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].