Salsarita's Fresh Cantina vs McAlister's Deli Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Investment $283,150 - $563,900$398,000 - $2,094,200
Franchise Fee $30,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1% Nat'l 1.5% Local3%
Year Founded 19991989
Year Franchised 20001994
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee 15% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Restaurant experience helpful

  • General business experience
    		•

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

    Training & Support
     
    Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Training

    Training in Charlotte, NC at our "Burrito Bootcamp" for themselves and their manager. Salsarita's also helps you train your staff in the week prior to opening and running through the first full week of operation. We have Franchise Business Coaches available who can and will assist you in day-to-day operations and to make scheduled visits to your store.

    		On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours
    Support Newsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing 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; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% 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
     
    Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

    Founded in 2000, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is one of the fastest-growing Mexican fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains, recognized for its people, food and world-class hospitality. Customers can create delicious made-to-order meals from a flavorful Mexican menu that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crusted pizzas and salads with a wide selection of meats, fresh vegetables and homemade salsas in lively, family-friendly environment. For general information, please visit www.salsaritas.com or call 704-540-9447. For franchising information, please visit http://www.salsaritasfranchising.com or call 866.61SALSA.

    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.