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Scott Smith and Steve Abrams are adjusting to a new normal. As the new CEO and chief operating officer, respectively, of Max Hospitality — formerly Max Restaurant Group — it’s not only about readjusting to pre-pandemic customer traffic, but also acclimating to a daily routine without their longtime business partner, Rich Rosenthal, who retired earlier this month after 36 years. Both Smith and Abrams had worked with Rosenthal since 1991. “It’s a little daunting,” said Smith. “But [Steve and I] work with a great group of partners and that energizes me.”

Rich Rosenthal, the founder and CEO of Max Restaurant Group, announced his retirement Monday, saying he will sell his shares of the business and hand over his title to current senior vice president and COO Scott Smith. In a statement, Rosenthal, who opened the first Max restaurant, Max-on-Main, in Hartford in 1986, said his shares will be sold to partners under the leadership of Smith and partner Steven Abrams. Abrams will take over Smith’s roles as senior vice president and COO.