The Max Dale's Story Discover The Big House
Max Dale’s history dates back to 1951 when Max and Pauline Dale, influenced by their good friend and Seattle restaurateur Victor Rosellini, rewrote their business plan. They decided to significantly revise their burger and fries menu to one that included more sophisticated offerings. That decision became a game changer. After a fire destroyed the restaurant in 1976, a Safeco claim adjuster by the name of Tony Pickering helped the Dale’s process their paperwork to rebuild. The new building was designed using discarded plans from a Black Angus, with the strategic addition of two large rentable meeting rooms.
The following year, Tony left Safeco for a new career in the restaurant business with Max Dale’s and never looked back. In 1982, Tony bought Max Dale’s, which was not only known for its tasty cuisine, but also for its bustling nightclub, which offered live music six nights a week. Nearly twenty years later, Tony and his team opened a sister restaurant, Stanwood Grill, offering the same fine-dining experience that had come to define Max Dale’s. Today Max Dale’s and Stanwood Grill are owned and managed by Tony’s son Danny, and nephew Paul who purchased both restaurants in 2006.
Paul and Danny enjoy pushing the envelope with new menu creations, which now include gluten-free selections. But they remain committed to preserving their history as the place to go when only a tender, juicy steak can satisfy. Max Dale’s continues the tradition of offering the best steak selection in the Skagit Valley.
Our Team
PAUL
Paul started at Max Dale’s in 1990 under the official job title of ‘Doorman’ and was offered the position of General Manager two years later. Paul’s natural aptitude for management is also evidenced through the many leadership roles he fills, past and present, in community and business organizations including the Skagit Rotary Club, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Skagit Family YMCA, Skagit Business Alliance and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
DANNY
Danny’s interest in the restaurant business began at the age of four when his father, Tony Pickering, started a new career at Max Dale’s. Growing up with a dad who loved the creative, social, and business aspects of the industry had a strong influence on Danny, who purchased Max Dale’s along with his cousin Paul in 2006. Danny manages Max Dale’s along with its sister restaurant, the Stanwood Grill, in Snohomish County.
CHEF DAVID
David Peterson, or ‘Chef David,’ as his staff, customers, and Facebook fans call him, has been crafting culinary delights since the mid-nineties. As Max Dale’s Executive Chef, Chef David brings an innovate approach to food combinations, flavor, and local freshness. His mouth-watering creations continue to draw new fans and long-time patrons alike.
MARTINI LOUNGE
CATERING
WINE SELECTION
FRESH FOOD
Dining & Events Private
Max Dale’s reputation for exceptional catering services has been earned over many years. Our goal is to ensure great food with first-class service experience for events ranging from intimate private parties to full-service banquet seating 500 guests or more. Whether you require our catering services or would like to consider renting one of Max Dale’s private dining rooms, our experienced catering staff will ensure your complete satisfaction.
If you are considering Max Dale’s for your next catered event, please call us at
(360) 424-7171 for all inquiries.
