1851

Here are the top 5 reasons to invest:

1. Brand Reputation

With a diverse menu and an unwavering focus on service and hospitality, <a href="http://www.mcalistersdelifranchise.com/Home.aspx?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;</a> has a long history of raising the bar in the fast-casual restaurant segment. &nbsp;By offering a simple, yet elevated menu of sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Famous Sweet&trade; Tea, the brand is able to reach and attract a wide base of customers, and with dine-in and off-premise service options, guests are able to enjoy <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;</a> how and when they want. Furthermore, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli is able to maintain such a strong connection with every customer that walks through its doors because of its attention to detail. Each menu item is made to order and then delivered to guests with a smile.

&ldquo;Our philosophy is to offer &ldquo;a little something extra&rdquo; to each of our guests, and for that reason, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; has developed a large and loyal following of customers and happy and satisfied franchisees,&rdquo; according to Paul Macaluso, McAlister&#39;s&reg; President.

Franchisee feedback:

&ldquo;At McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;, the doors open by 11a.m., and we&rsquo;ll immediately have guests coming through our doors for that first glass of sweet tea. You won&rsquo;t find more loyal guests than those that come to McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; &mdash;some are even here two or three times a day. The reason for that is simple &mdash;our expanded menu sets us apart. But the effort and energy we put into the hospitality is something special. We deliver your meals to your table. We refill your drinks. And we take care of our guests. You don&rsquo;t get that kind of service at a sandwich shop. It&rsquo;s our true differentiator. And that&rsquo;s why I chose McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; over any other brand.&rdquo; - David Blackburn, 5/5/17, <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/12069/McAlister-s-Deli-Isn-t-a-Sandwich-Shop-Here-s-Why?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1851 Interview</a>

&ldquo;Growing up in the South, you come to realize that good service and heart-warming hospitality are just as important as the food being served. I fell in love with the way food could bring people together and lift someone&rsquo;s mood, and I found that in McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;. McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; is different from other restaurant brands out there and is definitely not a sandwich shop. This is a restaurant fueled by great service and simple &mdash;yet elevated&mdash;food. It&rsquo;s the kind of place that feels like a second home.&rdquo; - Yaron Goldman, 5/5/17, <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/12069/McAlister-s-Deli-Isn-t-a-Sandwich-Shop-Here-s-Why?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1851 Interview</a>

2. System and Financial Performance

Earlier this year, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli announced it has climbed 123 spots to No. 23 on Entrepreneur Magazine&#39;s 38th Annual Franchise 500&reg; ranking. The magazine recognizes the role that big data, social media, cloud tools and powerful customer management systems have all played in dramatically changing the way franchise systems tackle operations, customer communication and franchisee education &ndash; all key factors in determining the Franchise 500&reg; rankings. Additional factors that go into Entrepreneur&rsquo;s evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

Entrepreneur isn&rsquo;t the only third-party analyst who has ranked McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli as a good value. Using proprietary data collected by Restaurant Business and its sister research firm Technomic&reg; from 2016, Business Insider looked at nearly 100 of the largest U.S. chains and rated them on three criteria: financial performance, customer satisfaction and overall value. Out of the 25 brands that were ranked, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli came in at No. 17.

&quot;Being recognized by some of the leading business and industry publications, is a great achievement,&quot; said Macaluso.&nbsp;&quot;We&rsquo;re truly humbled and honored, and attribute our success as a brand in large part to our dedicated franchisees and loyal guests across the country. We&rsquo;re looking forward to leading McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; to continued growth and brand innovation.&rdquo;

The financial performance of a McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; restaurant is another reason for its on-going industry recognition and growth. According to their current FDD, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; enjoys some of the best unit level metrics in the fast-casual restaurant space &ndash; average unit volumes exceeding $1,600,000 and growth in top line sales since 2012. All from a relatively simple operating platform that utilizes no grills or fryers.

Franchisee feedback:

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve had very strong same store sales growth over the last eight years or so. That brand has been really thriving for us.&rdquo; - Sean Conway, The Bistro Group, Multi-Unit Franchisee, 7/17/17, <a href="http://www.fooddrink-magazine.com/sections/restaurants/2221-the-bistro-group?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interview with Food &amp; Drink Magazine</a>

3. Growth Potential

Unique positioning within the fast-casual industry is what makes McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; stand out from the competition as it continues to expand &mdash; but it&rsquo;s not the only thing. In addition to offering an elevated fast-casual dining experience, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; offers extensive corporate support and gives prospective franchisees the opportunity to be a part of a rapidly growing brand and benefit from being under the umbrella of its parent company, FOCUS Brands Inc.

There&rsquo;s a reason why franchisees of multiple brands, including Wendy&rsquo;s&reg; , Denny&rsquo;s&reg;, Long John Silver&rsquo;s&reg; , Dunkin Donuts&reg; , Five Guys&reg; , Taco Bell&reg; &nbsp;and Wingstop&reg;, have recently <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/storypage/details.html?id=2703522&amp%3Btitle=Experienced-Multi-Unit-Franchise-Owners-are-Choosing-McAlister-s-Deli-as-Next-Brand-to-Grow-With&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">decided to develop a McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli alongside their current portfolio of brands</a>. &nbsp;As experienced multi-unit operators, they all shared a desire to grow their respective brand portfolios and came to the same conclusion &ndash; adding McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli to their portfolio would be a smart investment decision.

Franchisee feedback:

&ldquo;Going from one to two units was huge for us, especially when you&rsquo;re used to being there six days a week. But with the help of McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; support team, we learned how to put the right team and systems in place to help us sustainably grow to eleven units and beyond. Without guidance from McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;, we wouldn&rsquo;t be where we are today,&rdquo; - Jeff Shawl, multi-unit franchisee, 3/15/17, <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/11099/Mult-Unit-Franchisee-Group-Continues-to-Expand-McAlister-s-Deli-Throughout-the-Southeast?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1851 Interview</a>

4. Operations Simplicity

McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; business model is incredibly simple. By focusing on what it does best and eliminating the need for major restaurant equipment like fryers and grills, the brand gives prospective business owners the opportunity to grow alongside the booming fast-casual industry without breaking the bank. That simplicity is present in everything McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; does &mdash; at its core, the brand serves great food with exceptional customer service in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

&ldquo;Behind the scenes, McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; works to help ensure that <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/2703216/McAlister-s-Deli-Celebrates-Opening-of-400th-Restaurant?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">every franchisee is set up for success</a>. Operational efficiency and simplicity, superior products with a broad menu, differentiated guest experience and exceptional customer satisfaction are only some of the ways McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli has long set itself apart,&rdquo; Macaluso said &ldquo;As we celebrate the 400th restaurant in the brand&rsquo;s growing system, it&rsquo;s clear we have a recipe for success that &mdash; quite simply &mdash; works.&rdquo;

Franchisee feedback:

&ldquo;Whenever I come across someone who has visited a McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli, their reaction is enthusiastic. People don&rsquo;t just like to visit us, they love the entire experience. McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; has given me all of the tools and resources that I need to be successful. Its business model is simple and easy to adapt to our market, which makes us excited about the possibilities for growth with the brand going forward.&rdquo; - Jim Gillenwater Jr., &nbsp;multi-unit franchisee, 5/31/17, <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/12326/McAlister-Deli-s-Simple-and-Proven-Business-Model-Helps-First-Time-Franchisee-Become-a-Successful-Multi-Unit-Owner?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1851 Interview</a>

5. Trusted Leadership and Management

Franchisees who enter McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli franchise system gain access to a long list of benefits. From support throughout the grand opening process that includes real estate selection and marketing tactics to a strong network of more than 400 existing restaurants, the brand&rsquo;s local owners are able to rely on a corporate team of experts when getting their businesses off the ground. However, the competitive advantages of being a franchisee of McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; Deli do not stop there &mdash; the brand adds another layer of support to its system by <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/12324/How-being-part-of-FOCUS-Brands-Gives-McAlister-s-Deli-Franchisees-a-Strong-Competitive-Advantage?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">being a part of FOCUS Brands Inc</a>.

FOCUS Brands Inc. is a leading developer of global, multi-channel, food service brands. In addition to McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;, its portfolio includes Moe&rsquo;s Southwest Grill&reg;, Schlotzsky&rsquo;s&reg; Bakery Caf&eacute;, Auntie Anne&rsquo;s&reg; Pretzels, Cinnabon&reg; and Carvel&reg; Ice Cream. &nbsp;One of the main areas of synergy for McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; is in the supply chain needed to support all stores. The combination of these six brands provides FOCUS Brands Inc. with considerable clout and leverage when working with the vendor and distribution marketplace.

&ldquo;Instead of going to market as McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; with 400 stores, we&rsquo;re going into the vendor community as FOCUS Brands Inc., which works on behalf of 4,600 locations,&rdquo; said Rich Kamph, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain for FOCUS Brands Inc.. &ldquo;What that means for franchisees is they participate in a much larger buying organization and are the recipient of the increased value this larger organization delivers. We&rsquo;re able to leverage our size and scale with vendors to negotiate superior supply agreements on high quality products and ingredients.&rdquo;

Franchisee feedback:

&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re interested in franchising, you should take a very serious look at McAlister&rsquo;s&reg;. One, obviously, it&rsquo;s financially successful. Two, I think it&rsquo;s a brand that has growth opportunities from a geography standpoint. Three, I think within our segment we&rsquo;re really having fast paced growth which is exciting. I think one important thing that sets McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; apart today in how the system&rsquo;s operated today is that senior management is listening to franchisees.&rdquo; &nbsp;- Kelly Saxton of the Saxton Group, which owns over 70 McAlister&rsquo;s&reg; locations across four different states. 3/15/17, <a href="https://mcalistersdeli.1851franchise.com/details/11105/Strong-Growth-Potential-and-Unique-Business-Model-Sets-McAlister-s-Deli-Apart-in-the-Fast-Casual-Segment-of-the-Franchising-Industry?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli-2703767" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1851 Interview</a>

5 Reasons to Invest in McAlister’s® Deli

1851 Franchise

When it comes to being positioned as the fast-casual brand to beat, there’s one franchising opportunity that consistently stands out from the crowd: McAlister’s® Deli.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

5-reasons-to-invest-in-mcalisters-deli

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat franchise owner Kimberly Nelson

How Kimberly Nelson Is Painting a Path for the Next Generation of Women in Home Services With Fresh Coat Painters

woman-led-franchise-success

Lyricos Learning

Photo of multiple students completing STEAM on Demand activity

How California’s Tulare County Office of Education Expanded Access to Hands-On Learning With STEAM on Demand

tulare-county-office-of-education-steam-on-demand-expanded-learning

Voodoo Brewing Co.

image of voodoo brewing national beer day promotion april 7th

Celebrate National Beer Day at Voodoo Brewing Co. With New Releases and Old Favorites

celebrate-national-beer-day-at-voodoo-brewing-co-with-new-releases-and-old-favorites

New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics

image of a busy new u women's clinic franchise

Beyond a Med Spa, New U Is a Women’s Health Solution

new-u-womens-clinic-franchise-solution

image of New U Women’s Clinic targeting texas for franchise growth

Why New U Is Targeting Texas for Franchise Growth 

new-u-womens-clinic-texas-franchise-growth

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-growth

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

ai-skilled-trades-authority-brands

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

newks-eatery-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Beef 'O' Brady's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a family sports pub concept built around community, casual dining and lifelong local loyalty.

beef-o-bradys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

BrightStar Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: BrightStar Care is a home health care franchise that provides both medical and non-medical services.

franchise-deep-dive-brightstar-cares-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

5 Reasons to Invest in McAlister’s® Deli

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS