McAlister's Deli Franchise News

Eight Guests Submitting ‘Fav’s’ Will Be Selected to Win Free Weekly Lunches for a Year
May 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // Ridgeland, MS – McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast-casual café concept, announced today the launch of its “Why My Fav” campaign, which asks loyal McAlister’s Deli customers to share a personal story about their favorite menu item. Eight guests receiving the most votes on their “Fav” entries will receive a free lunch once a week, every week for a year.
The campaign encourages McAlister’s loyal guests to share real, unscripted experiences about their favorite McAlister’s Deli menu items by calling toll-free at 1-855-WHY MY FAV and recording a message...

Company Incorporates Operational Efficiencies to Ensure Great Food, Great Service
April 23, 2012 // Franchising.com // RIDGELAND, Miss -- McAlister's Deli – a leading fast-casual cafe concept – has announced a new store design for its restaurants. Combining modern and traditional elements, the new design gives the 23-year-old brand an updated look and feel.
"We are very excited about our new store design, and believe our customers will find our restaurants even more inviting, accommodating and appealing," said McAlister's Deli President and CEO Frank Paci. "It's the perfect combination of traditional touches like our town murals with updated decor and furnishings that give our location a fresh look."
McAlister's has recently opened two restaurants with the new design, one in Aurora, Colorado and the other in Lexington, Kentucky...

Peter Wright Named Vice President of Franchise Development
RIDGELAND, Miss., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McAlister's Deli, a leading fast-casual cafe concept, announced it has appointed Peter Wright as vice president of franchise development. Wright is a 14-year restaurant industry veteran, serving in various development and real estate roles at The Counter, Panera and Starbucks, among others.
In his new role, Wright will report to CEO Frank Paci and be responsible for identifying and recruiting new multi-unit franchisees and supporting existing franchisees. He will focus on franchise growth in undeveloped markets in the states where McAlister's currently operates, as well as spearhead growth in new territories across the country...

November 16, 2011 // Franchising.com // Ridgeland, Miss. - McAlister’s Deli is welcoming the holiday season with special limited time offerings on menu items and gift card purchases. Inspired by one of the company’s most popular sandwiches, the Reuben, McAlister’s is introducing a fresh, lighter take on this classic menu option. The California Turkey Reuben is made of hand-sliced Butterball smoked turkey, homemade coleslaw, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye bread, and will be available for a limited time. Locations will also feature the signature New Yorker sandwich: fresh-sliced corned beef and pastrami, piled high with Swiss and spicy brown mustard on toasted rye.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to highlight customer favorites and create new twists on classic dishes,” said Annica Kreider, vice president of marketing...

Frank Paci joins team to lead quick-casual restaurant concept September 09, 2010 // Franchising.com // (Jackson, MS)--- McAlister's Deli announced that it has named Frank G. Paci as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective Sept. 27, 2010. McAlister's Deli is a quick-casual deli concept with more than 295 restaurants in over 20 states.

"We are delighted to welcome Frank as the new leader of McAlister's Deli. He brings with him a broad range of experience in strategic planning, operations, franchise development and finance," said Steve Romaniello, member of the board of directors of McAlister's. "We believe this combination of skills will enable Frank to bring a unique perspective to the leadership of McAlister's...

Implementing more comprehensive PCI services, McAlister's will increase initiatives during the second half of the year to communicate the importance of compliance.

Eden Prairie, MN, June 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Until recently, many brands have seen PCI compliance as just a buzzword. However, with the influx of security breaches within the restaurant and hospitality industries, hesitation among corporate brands has been replaced with a sense of urgency to protect franchisees and their customers. "PCI compliance has really come to the forefront," said Kerry Newell, Senior Manager of POS at McAlister's Corporation.

Originally using BHI SecureConnect® for firewall and Wi-Fi Hotspot services only, McAlister's has reevaluated its needs and is implementing a customized PCI compliance solution from BHI SecureConnect® in both its corporate and franchise restaurants...

August 12, 2009 // Franchising.com // (Ridgeland, MS)--- McAlister's Corporation is continuing to move forward with its plan for growth and national expansion. The successes of the newly implemented "Choose Any Two" menu and the recent national "Free Tea Day" have bolstered a strong foundation while aggressive franchise sales plans and national recognition serve to propel the business onward and upward. The most recent accolades include President and CEO Phil Friedman receiving the prestigious Silver Plate Award in 2008 and the Gold Chain award in 2009.

McAlister's is also building and strengthening its core leadership team with top industry professionals and is excited to announce the following organizational changes: Natalie Blacher has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing...