Managing Partner James Stone said the company’s approach to its restaurants has helped fuel its growth.
AVON, Conn. — While many restaurants around the country are struggling with higher rents and changing consumer habits, one New England hospitality company continues to expand.
Max Hospitality recently opened its third Max Burger location in Avon, marking the company’s 12th venture.
Managing Partner James Stone said the company’s approach to its restaurants has helped fuel its growth.
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“I think it’s important to have an approachable business model with a fair price point,” Stone said.
For 40 years, the New England chain has continued to grow with support from its corporate office.
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“We do see a lot of restaurants closing, and gratefully, that’s not something we’ve experienced at Max Hospitality, and it’s because of great support from our corporate office,” Stone said.
According to restaurant data, nearly 4,000 small restaurants closed during the first half of 2026, including Connecticut staples such as the Wethersfield Diner and Jimmies of Savin Rock.
At Max, longtime customers like Marsha Cornell have helped the chain weather rising costs.
“I think their food is one of the best around,” Cornell said.
Cornell was among the customers who showed up early to try the new Avon location on East Main Street. But this wasn’t her first time dining with Max restaurants.
“Well, we started with Max Downtown, when they were on Main Street. When it was just the owner and his wife,” Cornell said.
As longtime customers continue to make reservations, management hopes the restaurant’s popular menu items will attract a new generation of fans.
“I think our All American Burger, our Whiskey Burger, our Spiked Shakes, those are just gonna fly out the door,” Stone said.
Max Burger will have modified hours for the rest of the week, opening at 4 p.m., though they hope to expand to lunch hours starting next week.
Victoria Anderson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at vanderson@fox61.com. Follow her on X and Instagram.
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