Max’s of Manila

Always wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining experience.

This week, Dining Out gets the inside scoops from Waipahu Max’s of Manila’s branch manager Kate del Callar, who gives us a little taste of Max’s and shares just what fuels her culinary drive.

Photo courtesy of Max’s of Manila

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Name: Kate del Callar
Title: Branch Manager of Max’s of Manila Waipahu
Training/Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management

Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner? As a manager, it gives me a sense of pride when people recognize, trust and are loyal to our brand. It’s also inspiring that, we, being a franchise-owned store, can fulfill or even exceed customers’ expectations, especially those who have known Max’s from the Philippines.

What is the biggest compliment you’ve ever received as a chef/manager/owner? More than anything else, a sincere “thank you” or “you’ve been very helpful” are the best compliments you can get from a customer. It’s a nice feeling being able to solve their problems and/or satisfy their needs. I especially love seeing repeat customers who come back for the experience.

What is your favorite dish on the menu? Why? Max’s Fried Chicken. It’s my comfort food. I can associate a lot of good memories with our fried chicken, such as family gatherings, special occasions, etc.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with? Why? Vegetables that are natively grown in the Philippines, but are locally available here. It makes a Filipino dish more authentic.

Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request? Every now and then we come up with different specials, those that are only available here at our Hawaii stores.

We also have vegetarian options for some of our dishes.

What are your culinary goals? What do you hope to improve on? We are hoping to reach out to more customers, Filipinos and non-Filipinos. We want to know more what customers think and feel about our products and services, and from their suggestions, comments and feedback, find ways to improve.

Max’s of Manila

951.MAXS (6297)

801 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

94-300 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.