McAlister's Deli vs GRILLiT Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
GRILLiT Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200N/A
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$12,500
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 1989-
Year Franchised 1994-
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
GRILLiT Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    GRILLiT 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
    GRILLiT 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
    GRILLiT Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 GRILLiT

    GRILLiT is a growing Latin-Caribbean fusion restaurant concept that marries fast casual to nutritious and healthy food. GRILLiT opened our first store in 2011, and the interest in the concept is soaring! We specialize in made-to-order salads, rice bowls, pasta and wraps featuring grilled chicken, steak and shrimp along with freshly made signature sauces and toppings using only the freshest products provided by local and domestic growers. Our unique recipes and superior customer service create a demand that could only be satisfied by GRILLiT's Franchise Program. Today we have 2 corporate stores, 1 franchise store, and a second franchise store opening soon. With over four decades of experience in the food industry, the people behind GRILLiT created their concept on a very simple principle: to demonstrate the fast-casual dining experience and fresh, healthy, nutritious home-style cooking are not mutually exclusive. GRILLiT satisfies the ever-increasing demand of consumers for healthy and delicious food while utilizing cooking techniques that employ a distinctive approach by preparing recipes with low-sodium content, fresh herbs, spices and all-natural marinades. If you've ever dreamed of owning your own business, now is your chance to own a GRILLiT restaurant!