Renowned Chef Max Hansen Opening New Location in Princeton

Princeton, NJ -- Chef Max Hansen is opening a 25,000 square foot, $7 million, world-class farmhouse catering venue in Princeton, the chef of 25 years announced on Wednesday.

The venue will be used for private functions, meetings, conferences, seminars and other corporate events, as well as events for the non-profit entities in the area.

Hansen will also provide culinary services for the two business complexes on the property.

It will also become the new headquarters for his entire operation, which includes Max & Me Catering, Max Hansen Caterer and the quaint Max Hansen Carversville Grocery in Bucks County. His current base of operations is in Doylestown.

Studio Hillier is designing the 9.5 acre venue located at 328 Carter Road in Hopewell, which will accommodate more than 300 guests inside as well as on an elevated deck overlooking a pond, and on a manicured lawn adjacent to the pond.

Hansen grew up in Bucks County, Pa. and attended Vassar College and the New England Culinary Institute. He learned under the tutelage of chef Thomas Keller and culinary titan Michel Rostang in Manhattan.

Hansen returned to his roots in 1998 to launch his catering business. He has since cooked for First Lady Michelle Obama, former Presidents George W. Bush, George Herbert Walker Bush and Bill Clinton, and at the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.

The current farmhouse sits on a larger, 300-acre property, and is an anchor to an 82-acre business campus. It is located a short seven minute drive from downtown Princeton. It is centrally situated between New York City and Philadelphia.

The existing farmhouse’s roof will be removed, according to the design submitted by Studio Hillier. A modern barnhouse structure is designed to give the original farmhouse, which was built in 1830, the look and feel of a renovated New England farm compound.

The 1,700 square foot deck and lawn will allow guests the opportunity to enjoy the al fresco spaces when weather permits. Weathered exterior walls will be juxtaposed by plaster and massive windows beside a fieldstone walkway.

Reclaimed and repurposed wood will be used for the building design. Hand-stacking stones will be used for a fireplace that will be visible from both the inside and the outside.

Hansen said he plans to use local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other fresh foods from neighboring Cherry Grove Farms, Terhune Orchards and Blue Moon Acres.

Hansen says the project will create more than 100 jobs, with a number of openings for kitchen and wait staff, along with a multitude of part-time positions.

The attached image was posted on Max Hansen's Facebook page.