McAlisters Deli to make an Orlando comeback

McAlister’s Deli, a leading fast casual chain, announced today it has signed three development agreements with new and existing franchisees to open restaurants in Southern Georgia and North, Central and Southwest Florida.

Existing franchisee DMAC 81, LLC, based in Summerville, S.C., plan to open several new restaurants between southern Georgia and North Florida. The franchise group currently operates several McAlister’s locations across South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. McAlister’s also signed development agreements with two new franchise groups to open restaurants on the west coast of Florida between Naples and Sarasota, as well as in Orlando.

“With these three groups, we have the opportunity to bring McAlister’s to untouched markets in Florida like Sarasota, Naples and Orlando, as well as expanding into southern Georgia,” said Jeff Sturgis, McAlister’s Vice President of Franchise Development. “We couldn’t be happier to continue our development in the south with three stellar franchisee groups.”

New franchisees Christina Berry, Mark Graff and Jeff Paulsen bring to McAlister’s their extensive experience in multi-unit restaurant management with Steak n Shake, as well as a background in commercial and residential property development. Their franchise group, Good Eats Florida, is targeting development in the Orlando market in communities such as Clermont, Celebration, Winter Garden, MetroWest, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and Kissimmee.

“We are very excited to bring the McAlister’s award-winning, fast casual dining concept to Orlando,” said Berry, co-owner of Good Eats. “We are confident the diverse menu, comfortable dining environment and genuine hospitality that is so strongly associated with the McAlister’s brand will resonate with Orlando’s fast-growing population.”

About McAlister’s

Founded in 1989, McAlister’s Deli is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister’s also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister’s brand has 337 restaurants in 24 states. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga. For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com.