Golden Griddle vs McAlister's Deli Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Golden Griddle Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Investment $100,000 - $450,000$398,000 - $2,094,200
Franchise Fee $25,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19641989
Year Franchised 19771994
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Golden Griddle Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Golden Griddle 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
     
    Golden Griddle Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours
    Support Internet, Security/safety procedures, 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 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20 - 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% 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
     
    Golden Griddle Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Golden Griddle

    Golden Griddle was established in 1964, and started franchising in 1977. Their head office is located in Toronto, Ontario Canada, and the company is privately owned. Each Golden Griddle Family Restaurant is owned and operated by a franchisee in their local area, you can find many of these franchises open 24 hours. The Golden Griddle is famous for their great delicious pancakes and all day breakfast. They have a Kids menu, and serve a wide variety of meals for lunch and dinner, and are licensed to serve beer, wine and alcohol. There are Golden Griddle locations in the Greater Toronto area, South Western Ontario, Central Ontario and Eastern Ontario.

    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.