Indigo Joe's vs McAlister's Deli Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Investment $1,200,000 - $1,300,000$398,000 - $2,094,200
Franchise Fee $30,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.5%3%
Year Founded 19941989
Year Franchised 20021994
Term Of Agreement 10 years +1010 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years +1010 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee $10K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

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

    Training & Support
     
    Indigo Joe's Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Training

    Prior to the opening of the store, it is essential to successfully complete Indigo Joe's intensive 6-week franchise training program. This program will educate the franchise owner in all aspects of restaurant operations as well as provide him or her with all the necessary tools. Topics that will be covered include customer service, preparation of Indigo Joe's menu items, quality and food portion control, beverage and inventory management, cost control, employee hiring and scheduling, store safety guidelines, management tools and systems, turnover reduction and budgeting and forecasting. Store Opening training is provided for 7 days prior to the opening date and until 7 days after. This training is a more "hands on" approach to managing and successfully running an Indigo Joe's restaurant.

    		On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours
    Support

    Indigo Joe's provides on-going operational support through their field service representatives

    		Purchasing 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 International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    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
     
    Indigo Joe's Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Indigo Joe's

    Indigo Joe's Sports Pub & Restaurant is no average sports bar and grill but most importantly, a family oriented restaurant. It is committed to being the very best place for fans to view their favorite sports teams. Team banners are grouped by conference and region and many customers enjoy the 'coaches wall', which includes customized, autographed pictures of some of the most famous sports figures to date. The franchise allows for multiple revenue opportunities which includes in-store, take out and catering sales. The multiple-unit organization is backed by a franchise training and ongoing support program. The franchise owner will benefit from our Corporate Support Team which will provide the introductory training program, on going support in operations and marketing and advertising. Indigo Joe's understands the importance of Marketing and Advertising in becoming successful and in creating brand recognition. Attention to details keeps the customer happy and encourages him to tell others about his experience. This franchise program allows for multiple revenue opportunities including in-store, take-out and catering sales. The multiple unit organization is backed by franchise training and an ongoing support program.

    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.