Blue Max Tavern About US

When Old Town was a sandy field with only a construction trailer on the corner, Byron and Norma Sutton decided to open a popcorn store in the town that was building up to be a fun place with a ‘50’s rock ‘n roll theme and a great variety places for gifts, souvenirs, food and entertainment.  The Kissimmee Popcorn Company was indeed the very first store to open in September, 1986.  Shortly there after, a previously leased but yet to be occupied corner place became available.  Byron became enthusiastic about the place because it was one of a few that had a 40 ft. ceiling.  Why?  Because you could hang an airplane from it!!  Byron, a born aviator and trained pilot for both the military and the commercial airlines, didn’t have an airplane to hang from that ceiling but that wouldn’t stop him!  So, they leased the space and went shopping.  There just so happened to be a collector of vintage aircraft at the local Kissimmee Airport and there they found a 1916 Fokker bi-wing airplane.  After taking it out for a test flight, the decision was easy.  Then came the question:  what goes underneath it?  But then, every pilot wants to own a bar, right? So that was an easy answer. 

Next came the name and the décor.  Norma became involved at that point, suggesting an English or European theme.  So off they went on a pub tour, visiting over 100 establishments in England and Germany.  Tough job, eh?  Anyway, when they lucked upon a collector of German World War 1 paraphernalia, their ideas came together.   Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) was the most highly decorated German “ace” who flew a bi-wing most of his career, including the newest 1916 Fokker.   In fact, he was the only one to be awarded the Pour le Mérite  (the Blue Max)  after the requirement to have 16 or more victories.

So now the Blue Max sports a plethora of air combat related pictures and flying stuff.  I mean, after all, not only is the owner a retired Air Force fighter and commercial airline pilot, but he even has a hot shot son in the Air Force now, flying the fastest and best fighter currently in operation, the F-15 Eagle.    On every wall and in every crook and cranny, there is something to get your attention if you like all that “slip the surly bonds of earth stuff“. 

And now, let the good times roll because at the Blue Max it is an every night affair.  Open  365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. ‘til 2:00 a.m..  Karaoke every single night, contests on a regular basis where the winner often has the opportunity to record in a professional studio.  Good food, pool tables and contests there too.  Lots of TV entertainment with dish and cable so all the professional sports are aired and supported by the happy hours to boot.

Let us know if you want to celebrate a special occasion here.  We can cater most anything you can think of, reserve plenty of space for your party and host some amazing contests, all in your honor.  And come by when you can to meet the crew, including Byron & Norma.  They’ll love to show you around!