Upscale Casual Dining Restaurant Opens In Afton Village

Max’s Ally, a new restaurant in Afton Village, will open Wednesday, October 24 serving family-inspired dinner items six days a week, plus a Sunday brunch of sought-after specialties.

Offering a popular American fare of fresh foods, dinner selections range from Angus Filet to Coriander Crust Mahi-Mahi to The Classic Burger accompanied by House-cut Fries. Although this menu was planned to appeal to both adults and children, Max’s Ally also prides itself on a superb wine list for its adult patrons.

Owned and operated by Jon and Kim Dressler, who have a popular upscale casual restaurant called Dressler’s in Huntersville, Max’s Ally is named for their two children, Max and Ally. “We wanted to have a restaurant that would be kid-friendly, but would also have a relaxing atmosphere for adults to enjoy a memorable meal and a glass of fine wine or cocktail,” said Jon Dressler.

Max and Ally, their children, recommend a special children’s menu with appropriate portions that includes Max’s Mac and Cheese and Ally’s Awesome Burger, as well as Chicken Tenders, Mason’s Fish and Chips and Mo’s Alfredo. The children’s menu selections are priced at $4 for each entrée.

The menu has tantalizing appetizers, including a favorite - Dressler’s Crab Dip - the jumbo lump crab dip warmed in Béchamel Sauce. All their salads are made with homemade dressings. Entrées include fresh seafood, beef, chicken, pork and a lighter fare for more casual dining. The desserts are equally tempting and include a Triple Chocolate Treat, Dutch Apple Pie and Mom Dressler’s World Famous Cheesecake as an everyday dessert. There is a full cocktail bar and an extensive wine list available.

Special amenities include a covered outdoor patio with a fireplace allowing comfortable outdoor dining year round. Also located on their patio is a 42” flat screen television. A water feature greets guests when they enter the restaurant and natural earth tone interiors with stone wall accents and handmade wood crafted tables set the stage for an inviting dining experience.

Seating capacity for the restaurant is 125 with generous booth availability. The 70-seat patio, along with a 30-seat bar, invites guests to relax inside or out. The private dining area can accommodate 80 people comfortably or can be divided into two rooms to handle smaller parties of 55 or an intimate dinner of 25.

“We’re trying to provide delicious food in an attractive, casual atmosphere,” said Dressler. “No reservations are required, and we are looking for guests who can appreciate our slogan: “eat well. laugh often. live long.”

Max’s Ally will be open for dinner Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. with Saturday hours ranging from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. A Sunday brunch is planned from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Entrées range in price from $11 to $25 with salads, sandwiches and pasta choices in the $4 to $12 range.

The general manager for the 40-associate staff of Max’s Ally is Sheri Julian. Like the owners, Julian comes from a professional affiliation with Morton’s The Steakhouse, recognized nationally for exceptional food and service. The executive chef for Max’s Ally is Brendon Murphy, a Johnson & Wales University graduate, who served as Dressler’s sous chef for the past three years.

Max’s Ally is located from I-85 at Exit 54 on George W. Liles Pkwy. in Afton Village at 355 John Galt Way, across from the West Cabarrus YMCA. For further information, please call Max’s Ally at 704-721-6297 or visit www.maxsally.com.