McAlister’s Deli Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Deli-style restaurant franchise serving sandwiches, salads, and soups, offering a variety of flavorful options made with quality ingredients, providing a casual and inviting dining experience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
524
+
7%
7%
Franchise fee
?
$35,500
Investment
?
$1,045,000 - $2,442,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,792,000
+
-1.3%
-1.3%
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a McAlister’s Deli franchise is
$1,045,000 - $2,442,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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:
Restaurant Type
Initial Investment Range
Endcap or Inline Shopping Center Location
$1,044,975 to $1,610,700
Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location
$1,247,725 to $2,442,200
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 Restaurant at a Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,500
Construction and Build Out Costs
$578,800 to $1,317,800
Permitting
$6,000 to $15,000
Equipment Package
$241,700 to $298,000
Millwork
$38,000 to $60,000
Furniture
$43,000 to $51,000
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage
$25,000 to $28,000
Exterior Signage
$92,000 to $133,000
Computer System
$22,000 to $58,000
Smallwares
$20,000 to $25,400
TV/Music
$3,000 to $12,500
Architect/Engineer
$24,400 to $64,200
Rent
$7,200 to $18,600
Grand Opening Marketing
$25,000 to $27,000
Legal and Accounting Fees
$3,000 to $10,000
Insurance
$1,925 to $9,500
Misc. Opening Costs / Security Deposits
$5,000 to $33,000
Management Training Program Fee
$0 to $25,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training
$26,200 to $33,700
On-Site Training Fee
$0 to $34,000
Opening Inventory
$25,000 to $100,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$25,000 to $53,000
Total Initial Investment
$1,247,725 to $2,442,200
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McAlister’s Deli offers 2 types of franchises:
Restaurant Type
Initial Investment Range
Endcap or Inline Shopping Center Location
$1,044,975 to $1,610,700
Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location
$1,247,725 to $2,442,200
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 Restaurant at a Newly-Constructed Freestanding Location
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,500
Construction and Build Out Costs
$578,800 to $1,317,800
Permitting
$6,000 to $15,000
Equipment Package
$241,700 to $298,000
Millwork
$38,000 to $60,000
Furniture
$43,000 to $51,000
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage
$25,000 to $28,000
Exterior Signage
$92,000 to $133,000
Computer System
$22,000 to $58,000
Smallwares
$20,000 to $25,400
TV/Music
$3,000 to $12,500
Architect/Engineer
$24,400 to $64,200
Rent
$7,200 to $18,600
Grand Opening Marketing
$25,000 to $27,000
Legal and Accounting Fees
$3,000 to $10,000
Insurance
$1,925 to $9,500
Misc. Opening Costs / Security Deposits
$5,000 to $33,000
Management Training Program Fee
$0 to $25,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training
$26,200 to $33,700
On-Site Training Fee
$0 to $34,000
Opening Inventory
$25,000 to $100,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$25,000 to $53,000
Total Initial Investment
$1,247,725 to $2,442,200
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is McAlister’s Deli's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
McAlister’s Deli had 560 total units in 2025, of which 524 were franchised-owned and 36 company-owned.
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.
Territory Protection
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.
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