The fast-casual chain expands across the Midwest to West Des Moines, Iowa with its newest location.

McAlister’s Deli has focused development in the Upper Midwest region of the country. According to a recent QSR Magazine article, the brand will be opening its first location in Iowa on October 13 in West Des Moines.

“Opening the first McAlister’s in Iowa underscores our strategic plan to expand the brand’s footprint not only across Iowa, with deals in place to cover the entire state, but throughout the broader Upper Midwest region,” said Paul Macaluso, president of McAlister’s. “Our strong and dedicated franchisees are at the heart of why we’re able to introduce McAlister’s to more diners across the U.S.”

McAlister’s reported nearly $600 million in system-wide sales in 2016 with 33 restaurant openings and now 400 locations in total. The new Iowa store marks the brand’s presence in 28 states. With a focus on handcrafted food and hospitality, McAlister’s has come a long way since its start in 1989 in an Oxford, Mississippi gas station. 

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