McAlister's Deli vs Cool Hand Luke's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$373,000 - $1,817,500
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19892004
Year Franchised 19942005
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+5-
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+5-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours -
    Support 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 Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
    Operations 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

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    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.



    About Cool Hand Luke's

    Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon opened its first location in Clovis Ca. in Dec. 2004. From the very beginning the locals named it the "Coolest joint in town" Since then we have expanded to 11 other units in California and one in Eagle Idaho. What makes us unique is our hand cut marinated steaks that come directly from our own Meat Company.

    Project Expansion

    We are looking for qualified franchisees to expand into new frontiers. Current Opportunity exists in the San Diego and Los Angeles Ca. area. Our Western Themed Wild West Grill offers communities an opportunity to "Step back in time and enjoy a unique dining experience with extraordinary value. Franchise Support

    Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon is part of a family of Brands that dates back to 1964. With decades of experience behind us and the future before us, the Dynaco team will join forces with you to build your business on a solid foundation. Our team will assist you from the beginning steps including site selection, plan design, thru training and opening your restaurant. We offer a offer comprehensive training program and ongoing evaluation and support to ensure your success.

    Every decision made by the parent Company is made with the franchisee in mind. Food development, cost control, and expense management are handled by the President, senior staff and our franchise board. Knowing how important communication is to the success of a company, we hold various meetings throughout the year with franchise owners and our staff to discuss marketing, research and development, networking and many other issues related to our business. We come together as a team to plan, brainstorm, and guide our company to the future.