McAlister's Deli is an American chain of fast casual restaurants founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, by retired dentist Dr. Don Newcomb.[1] There are currently over 500 locations in 29 states.[2] The menu includes deli sandwiches, "giant spuds" (baked potatoes), soups, salads, and desserts, as well as catering items such as sandwich trays and boxed lunches. The chain is also known for its McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea, which is available by glass or gallon.
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, United States |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Number of locations | 550+ |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Michael Freeman (president) Jessica Osborne (VPM) Aron Teneyck (VPO) |
| Parent | GoTo Foods |
| Website | www |
McAlister's Deli - together with Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Moe's Southwest Grill, Cinnabon, Jamba,[3] and Auntie Anne's - is part of the Focus Brands portfolio of brands.
History
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The original restaurant was started in a renovated gas station, and many of the elements of that original look are present in many McAlister's Delis built today, such as a garage door and nostalgic black-and-white tile. The deli originally opened under the name Checker's and was later changed to McAlister's.
In 1999, founder Don Newcomb sold the company to CEO Michael J. Stack and executive Philip Friedman for an undisclosed amount. Stack replaced Newcomb while retaining his CEO position. Newcomb remained in the company as a board director and exclusive franchisee for Kentucky. At the time of the sale, McAlister's Deli had 45 franchised and company-owned locations in the Southeast.[4]
Roark Capital Group acquired McAlister's Deli in 2005. At the time of the acquisition, McAlister's Deli had 170 franchised and company-owned locations in 19 states.[5]
Most McAlister's Deli restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, ranging from single-location, family-owned operations, to larger, multi-unit groups such as Southern Rock Restaurants, JME, Inc., DMAC 81 LLC (with locations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina), and The Saxton Group. Southern Rock Restaurants is the largest franchisee of McAlister's Deli,[6] operating 148 locations in 12 states. The chain's headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
See also
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References
edit- ^ "McAlister's was, and remains, a concept whose time has come". Mississippi Business Journal. October 27, 2003. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
- ^ "McAlister's Deli: Find Your McAlister's Deli Restaurant Near You". Mcalistersdeli.com. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
- ^ beveragedaily.com. "Jamba Juice acquired by Focus Brands for $200m". beveragedaily.com. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
- ^ Evans, Chuck (May 9, 1999). "Uncle Sam's wants your business". Birmingham Business Journal.
- ^ "Roark Capital buys McAlister's Deli". Memphis Business Journal. August 9, 2005.
- ^ "McAlister's Deli® Opens 500th Restaurant Nationwide | International Franchise Association". www.franchise.org. October 29, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2023.