Arthur Treacher's vs McAlister's Deli Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Arthur Treacher's vs McAlister's Deli including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Arthur Treacher's Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Investment $145,000 - $268,000$398,000 - $2,094,200
Franchise Fee $30,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19691989
Year Franchised 19691994
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee Current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Arthur Treacher's Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Arthur Treacher's Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Arthur Treacher's Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchise unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (66% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Arthur Treacher's Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Arthur Treacher's

    Did you know fish and chips were the first convenience food? Back in the 1860s, a London restaurant called Malin's of Bow began serving deep-fried whitefish with a dousing of malt vinegar accompanied by oversized fries. The fish and chips craze soon spread throughout England, and the dish became the world's first convenience food. In 1969 the founders of Arthur Treacher's purchased Malin's and with it, the original fish and chips recipe. Since then we've adjusted the menu to accommodate American tastes and expanded it to include shrimp, clams, fried chicken, and popular side orders including tasty hush puppies and unique cole slaw. All of which makes Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips the traditional English meal perfect for today's All-American appetite!

    About McAlister's Deli

    Founder Don Newcomb's goal when he launched McAlister's Deli in 1989 was to create a 'gourmet deli with Southern charm.' The restaurants serve more than 90 different menu items, including sandwiches, salads, super-stuffed baked potatoes, appetizers, desserts and kid's meals. Customers make their selections at the counter, receive their appetizers and drinks and then sit wherever they choose, while roving servers bring their food and drink refills. McAlister's has grown to more than 350 franchised units.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised McAlister’s Deli Restaurant (“Traditional Restaurant”) ranges from $927,900 to $2,094,200. This includes $35,000 to $35,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised McAlister’s Express Restaurant (“Express Restaurant”) is $398,000 to $607,850. This includes $15,000 to $15,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #72 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #47 in Franchise 500 for 2021.