Indianapolis Business Journal
Restaurant chain Max & Erma’s has closed 13 Midwest locations, including one on the southside of Indianapolis, in an effort to streamline operations and deal with underperforming outlets.
The chain also has a location at Edinburgh Premium Outlets, which is still listed on the company’s website, along with a location in Carmel. The former location just north of County Line Road, which was located at 8817 U.S. 31, is no longer listed with the 51 remaining locations in 10 states on the company’s website.
The owner, Nashville, Tennessee-based American Blue Ribbon Holdings, said senior managers went to the restaurants in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana on Monday morning to deliver the news of the closings. At least eight of the 13 closures took place in Michigan.
The first restaurant opened in 1972 in Columbus, Ohio. The chain filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009. American Blue Ribbon bought it the next year.
The parent company also owns O’Charley’s and other casual-dining chains. Future changes appear to be in the works for remaining Max & Erma’s locations.
In a written statement, company spokesman James Blystone said American Blue Ribbon Holdings was “committed to the Max & Erma’s brand and our franchise community, and look forward to announcing the next phase of this exciting brand revitalization during the week of Jan. 25.”
