Max Group To Close Glastonbury Restaurant, Re-Open In New Spot

GLASTONBURY, CT — Max Amore Ristorante in Glastonbury is set to close at the end of June, but Max Fish is staying and, when the smoke clears, the parent company will still have two dining establishments in town.

That was the word on Wedneday morning in a revised shuffling announcement by Max Restaurant Group principals.

The group initially announced Tuesday that Max Amore, located in the Shops at Somerset Square at 140 Glastonbury Boulevard, was to close on June 30. The lease is up at the location, and in what Managing Partner Mark Conley called "a completely financial decision," the company decided not to renew.

Max Amore was opened in 1995. Max Restaurant Group's Richard Rosenthal said it is time to try something new.

"The moment seemed right to end our hugely successful run of nearly 25 years at this location and to think about a new venture in Glastonbury," Rosenthal said in a statement relesased to the media. "The new restaurant will build on the success of Max Amore but take a fresh approach that reflects changing tastes and an evolving market. True to the Max tradition, the menu will feature the very freshest ingredients."

Conley said the group is in the midst of "negotiations" to find a new location and added that Max Amore employees will be offered jobs at either the new restaurant or one of the nine other Max Restaurant Group locations in the area.

"Every effort will be made" to maintain the staff, he said.

Max Gift Cards will still be accepted at all restaurants and any points accrued on a Max Vantage Loyalty card are still redeemable at the other restaurants.

Max Fish, located down the road at 110 Glastonbury Boulevard, is staying put, Conley said.

"We're family," he said. "And Glastonbury is an important part of that family."

Conley said the group will elaborate on a new location in Glastonbury once the search is complete. He said it was too early to comment on a set timetable for the transition.

Meanwhile gift cards to Max Amore would be honored at any of the Max Restaurant Group locations, he said.