Max Restaurant Group partners with The Bushnell
Contact: Tod Kallenbach (860) 987-6018
HARTFORD, Conn., June 12, 2002 - The Bushnell is pleased to announce a new partnership with Max Restaurant Group of Hartford to handle all food and beverage services for the performing arts center, including the historic Mortensen Hall and the new Belding Theater, beginning July 1, 2002.
Max Restaurant Group presently operates five distinct à la carte restaurants in Greater Hartford, including Max Downtown and Trumbull Kitchen in Hartford, Max-a-Mia in Avon, Max Amoré in Glastonbury and Max's Oyster Bar in West Hartford. With nearly 450 full- and part-time food service professionals, the Max Restaurant Group is one of the largest food and beverage employers in the region.
Although assuming responsibility of food and beverage operations at The Bushnell is a new departure for Max Restaurant Group, President and CEO Richard Rosenthal stated that "our experience managing busy and successful restaurant and bar operations will complement the upscale theater environment. Max and The Bushnell share an uncompromising commitment to quality, service and style." Since Rosenthal founded his original Max on Main restaurant in downtown Hartford in the mid-1980's (the forerunner to Max Downtown), the relationship between Max Restaurant Group and The Bushnell has been strong and favorable to both parties. Cross-marketing theater and dining opportunities and coordination on several special events have taken place at each organization's respective facilities.
"Marrying the two businesses and brands through Max at The Bushnell within the performing arts center will now create a unique, high-quality dining and entertainment experience that enhances our newly expanded facilities and programming," said David Fay, Bushnell Executive Director and CEO.
The Bushnell will complete a one-year contract with its existing food and beverage contractor, Boston Concessions Group, as of June 30, 2002. The contract was not renewed by mutual decision that The Bushnell would be better served by a local food service organization. The Bushnell has three distinct operations that make up its on-site food and beverage operation.
The Café located in the Box Office Lobby provides carry-away counter service to indoor and outdoor seating areas, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm and then for 90 minutes prior to every performance through intermission. Morning offerings from Max at The Bushnell will include freshly baked pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurts, granolas and cereals, freshly squeezed juices, hot and iced coffees, specialty coffees and teas. Lunch and evening pre-performance selections will consist of freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches, fruit platters and desserts using the finest local ingredients.
Bars are located adjacent to both of The Bushnell's theaters at orchestra level lobbies, as well as in mezzanine and balcony level lobbies, reception rooms and private dining suites. Sodas, bottled waters and juices, coffees and teas, beers, wines, spirits, cordials and mixed drinks will continue to be served, including Pepsi Cola products and the Robert Mondavi Family of Wines.
Catered events include pre-and post-show receptions, suite dinners, business meetings and social functions such as weddings, anniversary and holiday parties and bar/bat mitzvahs. Food and beverages for these events will be selected from a variety of seasonally updated and competitively priced menus, including appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, entrees and desserts. Chefs Jack Flaws of Max Downtown and Chris Torla of Trumbull Kitchen will also be available to create special menus. Chris Sullivan, Max Restaurant Group Manager, will be located on-site at The Bushnell and involved in all detailed food and event planning.
Lynn Robinson, Bushnell Senior Director of Operations, commented that "Max at The Bushnell is an opportunity to move our respective organizations into a higher-level business relationship. Together, we will strive to excel at all aspects of providing the best possible food and beverage service to The Bushnell and its guests." More information on hosting events at The Bushnell can be obtained by calling (860) 987-6044.
About The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts The Bushnell is Connecticut's premier performing arts center, hosting more than 450 events yearly, including major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, local arts and community events. In November 2001, The Bushnell completed a $45 million expansion project that added a second, 907-seat theater to the existing historic structure. The new, state-of-the-art performance hall allows for expanded arts, entertainment and community offerings. The Bushnell's nationally-recognized arts-in-education program, PARTNERS (Partners in Arts and Education Revitalizing Schools), is a cross-community educational effort serving 40 schools in 17 districts throughout the Greater Hartford area. The Bushnell opened in January 1930 and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call The Bushnell at (860) 987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office at (860) 987-5900 or visit our website at www.bushnell.org.