McAlister's Deli announced it's Odessa, Texas–based franchisee, Southwest Deli, will develop 24 restaurants in Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, and Utah as part of a new multi-unit development agreement.
Southwest Deli operates 14 restaurants in Texas and New Mexico. This new agreement will include development in four states, including continued growth in Texas and New Mexico, as well as new territories in Utah and Idaho. It will open restaurants in Abilene, Andrews, and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Carlsbad, New Mexico, in the first quarter of 2014. Southwest Deli will open four additional locations later in 2014.
"This agreement represents our long-term commitment to the McAlister's brand by growing our presence in new and existing markets," says Larry Lee, owner of Southwest Deli. "Our future growth will create approximately 1,200 jobs throughout these local communities and also gives us an opportunity to bring McAlister's great food and genuine hospitality to more locations."
"We are thrilled to partner with Southwest Deli to bring McAlister's to two new states, as well as continue our growth in markets where we have a loyal fan base," says McAlister's president and CEO Frank Paci. "Southwest Deli has been a strong partner in growing the brand and has been recognized as Franchisee of the Year multiple times."