

Established in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, McAlister's Deli has evolved from a single outlet into a significant player in the fast-casual dining industry. With its current headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the brand is now a part of GoTo Foods(formerly Focus Brands), a prominent developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands.
McAlister's Deli is celebrated for its diverse menu, which features substantial sandwiches, large spuds, soups, salads, desserts, and its iconic sweet tea. This varied selection, combined with genuine Southern hospitality, sets McAlister's apart in the market.
The brand distinguishes itself through its dedication to fostering a warm and inviting environment, making every guest feel like part of the McAlister's family. This focus on creating a homely atmosphere reflects the brand's small-town roots and is a fundamental part of its identity.
Operationally, McAlister's Deli maintains efficiency by eliminating the need for grills or fryers, simplifying kitchen processes, and potentially lowering costs.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
McAlister’s Deli offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a McAlister’s Deli Restaurant at a Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
McAlister’s Deli offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a McAlister’s Deli Restaurant at a Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
McAlister’s Deli provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees, essential for those aiming to manage a McAlister’s Deli franchise effectively. This training ensures franchisees acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
The program is specifically designed to acquaint franchisees with McAlister’s Deli's unique operational techniques. It encompasses a broad range of topics, including maintaining the brand's operational standards and mastering the details of the menu.
In addition to the initial training, McAlister’s Deli offers ongoing operational training programs. These programs are intended to reinforce and update the brand's operational standards, ensuring uniformity across all locations.
Franchisees are authorized to operate a McAlister’s Deli Restaurant within a specific "Designated Area," as outlined in the Franchise Agreement. This designated territory is solely intended for site selection purposes.
If franchisees breach the Franchise Agreement and fail to rectify the breach within the specified cure period, McAlister’s Deli reserves the right to reduce or eliminate the franchisee's Area of Protection.
The Area of Protection remains unchanged until the Franchise Agreement expires or is terminated. The territorial protection provided to franchisees is not contingent upon achieving certain sales targets, market penetration, or other criteria, except for adherence to the Franchise Agreement.
Below are some of
McAlister’s Deli
key competitors in the
Sandwich
sector.

524
$35,500
$1,045,000
$2,442,000
n.a.
$1,792,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

Abu Omar Halal is a Mediterranean street-food franchise offering shawarma, falafel, and grilled halal dishes, serving quick-service guests across food trucks and restaurants, and known for generous portions, bold Middle Eastern flavors, and late-night service in busy urban markets.
?
?

Extreme Pita is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering pita wraps, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals, serving health-conscious guests and busy families, and known for customizable pitas, fresh ingredients, and lighter alternatives to traditional fast food, including catering.
?
?

Sub-Ology is a sandwich-and-fast-casual franchise offering premium subs, wraps, salads and soups made with Boar’s Head meats and locally baked bread, serving lunch and dinner diners, and known for gourmet ingredients and community-oriented atmosphere.
?
?

Miller’s Famous Sandwiches is a fast-casual franchise offering toasted sandwiches, soups, salads and coffee, serving lunch crowds and grab-and-go customers, and known for iconic brand history, streamlined operations and community-friendly service.
?
?

D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches is a fast-casual sandwich franchise offering grilled subs, soups, salads and coffee, serving lunch and dinner crowds, and known for flame-roasted flavour, fresh ingredients and community-based franchise experience.
?
?

Submarina California Subs is a submarine-sandwich franchise offering crafted subs with fresh, quality ingredients, serving take-out and delivery customers, and known for California-style flavor, strong franchise support, and award-winning menu.
?
?
Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.
Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.
Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.
A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.