New York to Georgia.

Pasta Max Café

50 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253 | (770) 320-9311 www.pastamaxcafe.net

Its narrow sidewalk entrance and subtle front façade belies the essence of Italian flavor and atmosphere inside. The Pasta Max Café is the result of culinary aspirations for restauranteur Chef Douglas Zitz. A native of upstate New York, Douglas followed his calling after high school and graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. He worked in several of South Florida’s finest restaurants before moving to Henry County with his wife Barbara and opening his first Pasta Max Cafe in Stockbridge in 1994. Douglas relocated the restaurant to its present location off the square on Griffin Street in 2006. Douglas celebrated 25 years as the owner of Pasta Max Café in July of this year.

He does benefit from his membership in one of the Chamber’s well-honored tenets to recommend Chamber members only. “I get a lot of dine-in business from Chamber recommendations and referrals to do catering.”

On a recent Monday morning, a day the restaurant is closed, Chef Douglas discussed the duration and success of Pasta Max Café. “We’ve endured because of our consistency in offering a quality experience. We cater to a local clientele that loves the atmosphere and the authentic Italian cuisine, original recipes, hand-made pasta, and fresh seafood.”

Three of five servers at the Pasta Max Café, Danielle, Holly and Kenda, responsible for meeting the Pasta Max Café standard of quality customer service.

As a man of few words and a soft-spoken manner, Chef Douglas is quick to recognize his staff for their contributions to the restaurant’s success. “I have a good crew,” he says.

Community Involvement

Douglas and Barbara have been married for 26 years and have two sons. Patrick is a 10th grader at Strong Rock Christian School, and Shannon will graduate from the University of Georgia this coming December.

Douglas gives quietly to a variety of organizations including support for Hope House, Autism Speaks and the St. James Catholic Church. “We also like to give gift cards to the Restaurant.”

Chamber Involvement

Like many busy retail business owners, Doug does not have time to take advantage of the monthly networking events held by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

He does benefit from his membership in one of the Chamber’s well-honored tenets to recommend Chamber members only. “I get a lot of dine-in business from Chamber recommendations and referrals to do catering.”