PHILADELPHIA — The former owner of Max’s Steaks, a famous North Philadelphia culinary landmark featured in the Rocky cinematic universe, has been federally indicted in connection with a multi-year tax fraud scheme, federal prosecutors announced.
Charles Weiner, 79, of Penn Valley, faces multiple felony counts alleging he concealed payroll expenses and underreported income while operating the beloved Germantown Avenue establishment and an adjacent neighborhood venue.
Decades in North Philadelphia and Hollywood Cameos
Weiner founded Max’s Steaks in 1994 at the bustling intersection of Germantown and Erie avenues. Over the ensuing three decades, the shop gained widespread acclaim for its giant 2-foot steaks, distinctive neon facade, and connected watering hole, Eagle Bar.
Beyond its status as an essential North Philly food institution, Max’s Steaks cemented its pop culture legacy on the silver screen, appearing prominently in both Creed (2015) and Creed II (2018). In addition to Max’s, Weiner also owned the Clock Bar, located along the same Germantown Avenue commercial strip. He operated both establishments until selling Max’s Steaks in 2025.
The Federal Allegations
According to federal prosecutors, the illegal activity took place between 2019 and 2023. Investigators allege that Weiner and two restaurant employees routinely paid staff members partly or entirely in cash off the books.
Federal charging documents outline that Weiner systematically furnished accountants with falsified records regarding wages, overall earnings, and operational expenses. Those deceptive figures ultimately led to the submission of fraudulent corporate tax returns and employment tax filings to the Internal Revenue Service over several reporting periods.
Criminal Counts Facing Weiner
Weiner was formally indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that include:
- One count of conspiracy to defraud the United States
- 22 counts of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over employment taxes
- Six counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns
Weiner's defense attorney did not immediately return requests for comment regarding the federal charges.
The indictment follows a pattern of heightened federal scrutiny on cash-heavy restaurant operations throughout the Philadelphia region, particularly concerning off-the-books payroll practices and unreported gross receipts.
