McAlister's Deli, a leading fast casual restaurant chain, announced it has signed an agreement with new franchise group Southwest Concepts to open 10 locations throughout the Houston metropolitan area, with one location slated to open in 2015. McAlister’s currently has six restaurants throughout the Houston market and will also open two additional locations in 2015 with existing franchisees.

“We are excited about McAlister’s accelerated expansion and see tremendous opportunity to further develop the brand throughout Houston,” says McAlister’s Chief Development Officer Jeff Sturgis. “The owners of Southwest Concepts, LLC have a strong track record of excellent restaurant development and operations experience and bring more than 10 years of foodservice experience to McAlister’s. We are confident the team will sustain a loyal fan base throughout these communities and will continue to grow the brand’s footprint across the market.”

The Southwest Concepts group currently operates several restaurant concepts, including 22 Taco Bell restaurants across the country, with two in development. The group has a development plan in place to bring 10 additional McAlister’s Deli locations to Houston over the next eight years, and will be operating one restaurant in the market by the end of 2015.

“McAlister’s Deli is a strong brand with great growth potential, making it the perfect addition to our portfolio,” says Al Dossani, owner of Southwest Concepts. “We are passionate about the brand and look forward to bringing McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea, sandwiches, soups, spuds, and genuine hospitality to more communities in Houston.”