Global Chain Bestowing Filipino Fried Chicken on Mira Mesa

Continuing an expansion that promised several San Diego locations, Filipino chain Max’s Restaurant is heading to Mira Mesa after opening an outpost in Chula Vista. Known as “The House That Fried Chicken Built”, the eatery was founded in 1945 and has over 100 locations in the Philippines and more than 200 worldwide. It’s the flagship brand of Max’s Group, Inc., the largest casual dining restaurant company in the Philippines which also owns Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice.

Max’s will join Menya Ultra Ramen and 85C Bakery in Mesa Centers’ Mira Mesa Mall, replacing Fuddrucker’s, which shuttered in February. The restaurant is just entering the construction phase; Cathy Ferrer, Max’s Group’s operations manager for North America, told Eater that they hope to open at the end of September.

The full-service casual restaurant is most famous for its fried chicken but features a broad menu of Filipino favorites, from pancit and lumpia to rice bowls with chicken sisig and pork adobo. The family-friendly spot is also known for its group meals, which include whole chickens and a variety of shareable dishes like lechon kawaii and kare-kare. Brett Feuerstein of Mesa Centers said, “It’s exciting to have Max’s in the area since not only is the food delicious but it will be a great local option for large family occasions and parties.”

Mira Mesa will now be home to two iconic Filipino eateries; giant fast-food chain Jollibee is returning to the neighborhood later this year.