Investing in the West: Acclaimed South Florida Restaurateurs, Burt Rapoport and Dennis Max, Expand West to the "New Frontier," opening a Contemporary American Bar and Grille

BOCA RATON, FL, January 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) Having launched their first South Florida restaurant together in 1980, veteran restaurateurs Burt Rapoport, president and founder of Rapoport's Restaurant Group and long time friend and business partner, Dennis Max have opened numerous successful restaurants together over the years. Reconnecting once again, this culinary duo is heading west to open Burt & Max's Bar and Grille, in what they say is the "New Frontier" for restaurateurs. Slated to open mid-February, Burt & Max's will be launching at the long awaited Delray Marketplace, a new 275,000-square-foot lifestyle and entertainment center at 9089 West Atlantic Ave.

Rapoport and Max were approached by Kite Realty, founders of the up and coming dining and shopping plaza, who were seeking a sister establishment to the popular Max's Grille, which they opened together in Mizner Park in 1991. Rapoport and Max decided to take on the project as they felt that West Delray Beach is in need of quality, locally owned restaurants that can provide the clientele living in that area with sophisticated dining options close to their neighborhood.

"Burt & Max's gives us the opportunity to highlight the latest dining trends and expand to an area that is mostly made up of corporate chain restaurants," says Rapoport. "Shopping plazas and new housing developments are continuing to expand in the West, pushing their limits to the Everglades. West is the the new frontier for local restaurateurs and business owners to tap into."

Burt & Max's interiors, conceptualized by South Florida designer Pam Manhas, of Manhas Design, incorporate many natural finishes, reclaimed and aged barn woods, industrial lighting and neutral shades of tans, browns and yellows. The layout will include indoor/outdoor seating areas, two spacious bars, a fire pit lounge, lush tropical landscaping, semi private and private dining areas. The focal point of the restaurant will be a wood burning grill and exhibition kitchen. The menus will include some of Max's Grille popular signature items as well as new innovative additions.

Featuring classic and contemporary American cuisine, dining offerings at Burt & Max's will consist of signature Sharing and Small Plates, such as "Onion Soup" Dumplings, Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna and Short Rib Empanadas ranging from $9 to $16. From fresh Soups and Salads to Sandwiches such as the Butcher's Blend Burger, The Farm House Burger or Blackened Mahi range from $12 to $15. Signature Wood Fired Pizzas include Oak Grille Chicken or Blackened Shrimp and Roasted Tomatoes range from $12 to $14. Large Plate featured items include entrees such as Free Range Roasted Half Chicken, Grilled "Creekstone Farms" NY Strip, and Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles range from $18 to $28. In addition to their regular menu, sophisticated, healthy children's menu and Rapoport's "Eat Well. Be Well." Menu, offering gluten free, low calorie options, will also be available.

Burt & Max's will be open daily for dinner, serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays featuring Rapoport's signature Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. Happy Hour will be available at the bar from Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live entertainment will be featured on Thursday and Saturday nights and jazz entertainment from Will Bridges for Sunday Brunch.

About Burt & Max's
Burt & Max's is located at the Delray Marketplace at 9089 West Atlantic Ave, Suite 100, Delray Beach. For reservations call 561.638.6380. Burt & Max's will be open Monday through Friday starting at 5 p.m. and opening at 11:30 a.m. for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar has extended hours seven days a week. Visit http://www.burtandmaxs.com for more information. To schedule a media interview, please contact Amber Clark at The Gab Group at 561-750-3500 or email amber@thegabgroup.com.