Max & Erma’s closes 13 restaurants in the Midwest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Restaurant chain Max & Erma’s is closing 13 Midwest locations as it streamlines operations and deals with underperforming outlets.

The owner, Nashville, Tennessee-based American Blue Ribbon Holdings, says senior managers went to the restaurants in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana on Monday morning to deliver the news.

The chain’s website listed 51 locations in 10 states.

The restaurants serve burgers and beer. The first one opened in 1972 in Columbus, Ohio. The chain filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009. American Blue Ribbon bought it the next year.

The parent company also owns O’Charley’s and other casual-dining chains.