McAlister's Deli Attracts New Growth

RIDGELAND, Miss., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McAlister's Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant, announced today the signing of three multi-unit store development agreements with new and existing franchisees for 10 new restaurants in the Greater Tampa, Fla. area; three new restaurants in Central Michigan; and five new restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.  

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"Over the past two years we have made great strides in strengthening the McAlister's Deli brand. Our guests have responded very positively to our menu enhancements and we are experiencing strong same store sales growth and interest in additional development from both new and existing franchisees," said McAlister's Deli President and CEO Frank Paci. 

New franchisee, Brayton Knotts and McKnotts Enterprise, LLC will develop 10 McAlister's Deli locations in the Greater Tampa area over the next several years.  A second new franchisee, Bobby Coy and Up North Franchising Group, Inc. will develop three restaurants in Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and Mt. Pleasant, Mich.  Finally, Bobby Salvo and Deli, Inc. will develop five new restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb. over the next several years. Deli, Inc. is an existing franchisee with a location in Pueblo, Colo. and plans to develop in Colorado Springs, Colo. and Santa Fe, N.M.

"McAlister's Deli is excited to expand into Nebraska and Central Michigan, and add new locations in Tampa," said Peter Wright, Vice President of Franchise Development for McAlister's Deli. "These franchisees will focus on what matters most to our guests – exceptional food served with great customer service in a warm, friendly atmosphere."   

With 307 restaurants in 22 states, McAlister's continues to seek new franchisees in select markets throughout the U.S. to make expansion possible.  The company is focusing its growth in undeveloped markets in the states where McAlister's currently operates, as well as spearheading growth in new territories across the country.

McAlister's is seeking multi-unit operators and successful entrepreneurs with strong community ties.  The most successful McAlister's are run by operators who understand the importance of strong operations and a commitment to offering the best guest experience.  Franchisee candidates should have multi-unit restaurant experience and a minimum liquidity of $750,000 and minimum net worth of $1.5 million.

Known for its chef-inspired menu of sandwiches, giant spuds, entree salads, soups, sweets and signature McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea™, McAlister's Deli offers the variety and quality of food that consistently develops a loyal customer following.  Everything at McAlister's is hand-crafted and made to order. While guests have always felt at home at McAlister's Deli, the company recently unveiled a new restaurant design that combines modern and traditional elements with updated decor and furnishings. 

"It's an exciting time for McAlister's with expansion into new territories, our new restaurant design and menu enhancements, and even more on the horizon," said Wright.  "As the brand continues to evolve and grow, it's the ideal time to join the McAlister's Deli family." 

To learn more about franchising opportunities with McAlister's Deli, please contact Peter Wright at (601) 952-1120 or (720) 278-6680, and [email protected] or visit www.mcalistersdelifranchise.com.

About McAlister's Deli

Founded in 1989, Ridgeland, Mississippi-based McAlister's Deli is a quick-casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea™.  In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister's also offers casual catering, with a selection of deli and sandwich trays, vegetable, cheese and fruit trays, breakfast trays, box lunches and desserts, McAlister's Deli currently has 307 restaurants in 22 states.  McAlister's Deli has earned numerous accolades, including most recently Nation's Restaurant News ranking the chain fourth in its inaugural Consumer Picks study, the highest of any sandwich chain and higher than any bakery and cafe restaurant.  For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com.

SOURCE McAlister's Deli