Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Furman
Hi Ron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Max’s Taphouse has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s craft beer scene for decades, but its story starts long before it became the beer destination it is today. In 1985, the Furman family bought what was once a disco called the Acropolis, on the corner of Broadway and Lancaster. I, Ron Furman, took over in 1986 and that’s when Max’s started making its evolutionary journey to where it is today, 40 years later. We initially opened Max’s on Broadway as a live music venue with acts playing daily. We had a handful of beers, a lot of liquor and a stage where the main bar sits today. Over 1,000 acts played the stage including Dave Matthews, Smashing Pumpkins, Hootie and the Blow Fish, Melissa Etherage – all before anyone knew their name. Gwen Stefani played in a little band called No Doubt. Legends like Richie Havens, Buddy Guy, Koko Tayor, Adrian Belew, Nancy Griffith, and even teen idol David Cassidy hit the stage.
As times changed, so did the business. Even back then we had a love for beer. I recall having around 400 different beers in coolers behind the bar. What is known today as “Craft Beer” back then was referred to as “Micro Brews.” And that passion for beer led us to the path we are on today.
In 1994, I – alongside my wife, Gail – decided it was time for a big change, and thus began our journey to become one of the best beer bars in the world – and with that, the shift from Max’s on Broadway to Max’s Taphouse. Our goal was to create a bar that would stand the test of time, a place to watch the game of the day with friends eating good food, drinking great beer and libations along with an amazing knowledgeable staff to cater to your needs.
In the late 90s, we expanded to the 2nd floor opening the Mobtown Lounge, originally a cigar bar that has also changed with the times. Today, patrons can enjoy stand up comedy shows, play trivia and chess, sing along to Karaoke on the weekends – and it’s available for private rentals.
There have been many iterations of Max’s throughout the years: a secondary restaurant at Camden Yards, a cigar shop, a pop up cocktail bar. We’ve had a half a dozen logos. But it’s always stayed family owned and operated, serving the community of Fells Point. At the heart of it all, Max’s Taphouse is about more than just beer; it’s about the people. Our staff is dedicated to making every visit memorable, whether you’re here for a casual pint or a deep dive into our world-class beer list. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but our commitment to quality, community, and innovation has brought us to where we are today—and we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is business ever a smooth road? Like any long-standing establishment, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges. From navigating complex legislation and city-wide initiatives to addressing concerns about crime, there have been plenty of hurdles along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most difficult obstacles we’ve encountered. In March 2020, we made the tough but necessary decision to voluntarily close ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, one of our busiest days of the year, because we saw what was coming. We didn’t want to risk becoming a superspreader venue, so we prioritized the safety of our staff, customers, and community. It was a heartbreaking choice, as we knew it would have serious financial consequences for our business and employees. Five years later, we’re still feeling the impact. We haven’t fully recovered and it hurts.
But through it all, we’ve remained resilient. We’re proud to still be here, pouring pints and serving our community, proving that perseverance and passion can carry us through even the toughest times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Max’s Taphouse?
At Max’s Taphouse, we’re known for having one of the most impressive beer draft systems in the country—possibly even the world. With 113 draft lines, including five hand pumps and five beer engines, Max’s has more lines than almost anywhere in the country and its selection exceeds most in the US. Max’s is a premier destination for beer lovers. The selection goes beyond the taps though – boasting a collection of over 1,500 bottles, Max’s is always on the lookout for new breweries, unique flavors, and the next great pour. And it spans beyond beer: Max’s has one of the largest bourbon collections in Maryland, a full bar with a wide variety of liquor and an in-house smoker, cranking out incredibly fresh BBQ.
Max’s has been rated one of the best beer bars in the world time and time again. In 2022, we were the #1 Best Beer Bar in the country by USAToday and we’ve been known to have the most magical bathroom by The Baltimore Sun. We’ve won lots of accolades over the years – which I’m certainly proud of. But…what truly sets Max’s apart isn’t just the beer—it’s the people.
We are incredibly proud of our staff, many of whom have been with us for 10, 15, even 20+ years – a few just nearing that 30 year mark! That kind of loyalty and passion is rare in this industry, and it speaks volumes about the environment we’ve built. The team is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and dedicated to making every guest feel at home. At the end of the day, great beer is important, but it’s the experience and the people behind the bar that make Max’s Taphouse truly special.
What matters most to you? Why?
Hands down: being a leader in our community. We know that we are a staple in Fells Point, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to continue being a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, serving not just great beer, but also a sense of connection and community.
We stay actively involved in the neighborhood, with Gail serving on the board of Fells Point Main Street and Waterfront Partnership, and we’re always looking for ways to collaborate with other local businesses. Whether it’s through partnerships, events, or simply supporting our neighbors, our goal is to strengthen the community we call home. If you take a walk down our stairs you’ll see many of our achievements hanging on the walls that speak volumes of our commitment to the community. Fells Point has given us so much over the years, and we’re committed to giving back and ensuring that this corner remains a vibrant, welcoming place for years to come.
We also take pride in being resourceful, constantly recycling products and materials to incorporate into our building and displays – even the ground you walk on while at the bar is from the old Southway Bowling Alley. The second level’s walls and floor were repurposed from the Seagrams Distillery in Dundalk. The Wainscoting were milled from old shelving from the EC Codd building and many of the tables came from beams salvaged from the old Bagby Building. There’s even a railing from the old Coke-a-Cola Plant that was in South Baltimore. At one point, to keep bottles out of the landfill, I even started a company Max’s Waxhouse and recycled the bottles by pouring wax into them and making candles. When you walk by Max’s, you can constantly see creativity at work. The window displays are frequently rotating, showing our latest festivals and events. There are always new pieces of artwork made from recycled materials, beer memorabilia and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maxs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxstaphouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxstaphouse
- LinkedIn: https://www.threads.com/maxstaphouse
