Former Cheesesteak Restaurant Owner Indicted For Tax Fraud In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — The former owner of a cheesesteak eatery in Philadelphia was federally indicted for tax fraud, authorities announced.

Charles Weiner owned Max's Steaks — a recognizable cheesesteak spot that appeared in multiple "Rocky" movies — and Clock Bar. Both are located on the same block of Germantown Avenue in North Philadelphia.

Weiner founded Max's Steaks in 1994 and sold it last year. The restaurant includes the adjoining Eagle Bar. Max's Steaks made cameos in the films "Creed" and "Creed II."

From 2019-23, Weiner and two other employees paid restaurant workers all or party in cash, according to federal prosecutors. Weiner provided accountants with false information about the restaurants' wages, earnings and expenses, resulting in false corporate tax returns and employment tax filings, authorities said.

Weiner, 79, of Penn Valley, was indicted last month on the charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 22 counts of willful failure to withhold and pay employment taxes, and six counts of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns.

His listed attorney didn't immediately return comment to Patch.