May 24, 2013

McAlister's Deli

What You Can Learn from Casual Dining
April 2013

David Blackburn has been in the foodservice business his entire adult life. Since 1979, the McAlister’s Deli franchisee has cataloged more than 25 years of experience in the casual-dining sector, spending 16 of those as regional vice president of operations at O’Charley’s....

McAlister's Gets Hearty and Healthy with New Menu Items

McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast-casual restaurant, is offering guests new limited-time menu items including sandwich grillers, a seasonal berry salad, and hearty pot roast.

The menu runs April 8–June 30 and features:

McAlister's Deli Sends Lucky Fan to the Big Easy

McAlister’s Deli announced the grand-prize winner of its Big Easy Experience promotion.

Melanie Hoffman of Grapevine, Texas, won an all-inclusive trip to New Orleans and dinner with McAlister’s executive chef David Groll. 

“The Big Easy Experience was a great...

McAlister's Franchisee Plans for Growth in Ohio, Kentucky

The Bistro Group, a Cincinnati-based franchise of McAlister’s Deli announced its plan to expand in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.  

The Bistro Group owns and operates five McAlister’s Deli locations in Ohio and Kentucky. After more than seven successful years with...

McAlister’s Reports Same-Store Sales Increase

McAlister's Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant, announces a same-store sales increase of 8.3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2012. Company-owned restaurants were up 9.2 percent and franchise restaurants were up 8.2 percent. 

McAlister’s Spices Things Up with New Orleans-Inspired Fare

McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant, introduces a Cajun Shrimp menu as its latest culinary creation. Available through March 31, the Cajun Shrimp menu showcases Louisiana-inspired seasonings on a Po Boy, Caesar Wrap, and Caesar Salad.

Genghis Grills Recognizes Vendor of the Year

Improving Restaurants, a technology and software provider for the restaurant industry, announced that it has earned the Genghis Grills 2012 Vendor of the Year Award.

In delivering the people, processes, and software that drive business performance for Genghis Grills, Improving Restaurants...

Menu Developments, Speed of Service Boost McAlister's Sales

Thanks to two years of hard work, menu upgrades, and improved speed of service, fast casual McAlister’s Deli is truly reaping rewards. The recently released third-quarter results showed that the more than 300-unit brand reached its ninth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales...

McAlister’s Rings in Holidays with Social Media Contest

McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant, is ringing in the holidays and engaging its fans via a creative social media contest to name “The Penguin,” the brand’s holiday gift card mascot. The contest gives customers the chance to win not only bragging rights,...

High and Dry

It’s clear that one of the most severe droughts in the nation’s history will affect food costs, but just how much and exactly when still remain to be seen.

While restaurants have grown accustomed to absorbing food-price swings, operators say this summer’s drought may...

McAlister's Deli Lands New Vice President of Marketing

McAlister's Deli, a leading fast-casual restaurant, announced that Donna Josephson has joined the company as vice president of marketing.

She brings to McAlister's more than 20 years of restaurant marketing experience and has been instrumental in developing and implementing...

QSR 50 Contenders
August 2012

Want to know which 15 brands are knocking on the QSR 50's door? Some are old favorites, others are new to the list, but they're all trying their hardest to climb their way into the Top 50 ranks.

51 McAlister’s Deli rank last year: 52...

Carl Jakaitis Joins McAlister’s as Chief Financial Officer

McAlister’s Deli announces that Carl Jakaitis has been named chief financial officer. He is a seasoned restaurant finance executive with more than 30 years of financial experience in the restaurant industry. 

“I’m confident Carl’s substantial...

Free Tea Day Returns to McAlister’s July 26

Free Tea Day is back by popular demand at McAlister’s Deli. On Thursday, July 26, guests who visit any of the participating McAlister’s Deli locations will get a free 32-ounce, signature McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea. No coupon is required and no purchase is...

McAlister’s Signs Multi-Unit Deals for 18 Restaurants

McAlister’s Deli announced today the signing of three multi-unit store development agreements with new and existing franchisees for 10 new restaurants in the Greater Tampa, Florida, area; three new restaurants in Central Michigan; and five new restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha,...

Millenial Consumers Rank Their Top Chains

Millennials are unique. They communicate differently, are self-expressive, confident, liberal, upbeat, and open to change. But marketing to them can be a challenge.

This group (ages 19-34) has a distinct perspective on dining occasions, placing more value on attributes like social...

McAlister's Deli to Update Store Design, Add Tea Bar

McAlister's Deli has announced a new store design for its restaurants. Combining modern and traditional elements, the new design gives the 23-year-old brand an updated look and feel.

"We are very excited about our new store design, and believe our customers...

McAlister’s Deli Names VP of Franchise Development

McAlister’s Deli announced it has appointed Peter Wright as vice president of franchise development. Wright is a 14-year restaurant industry veteran, serving in various development and real estate roles at The Counter, Panera, and Starbucks, among others. 

McAlister's Deli Adds Industry Veteran to Executive Team

McAlister's Deli announced it has appointed Peter Wright as vice president of franchise development.  Wright is a 14-year restaurant industry veteran, serving in various development and real estate roles at The Counter, Panera, and Starbucks, among others. 

Philip Friedman Named Chairman of Brandstand Group

Brandstand Group announced today that Philip Friedman, former CEO and president of McAlister’s Deli and current CEO of Salsarita's Fresh Cantina, has been named chairman of the board of directors at Brandstand Group, a premier restaurant brand marketing and communication...