Golden Corral vs McAlister's Deli Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Golden Corral Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Investment $2,700,795 - $7,037,915$398,000 - $2,094,200
Franchise Fee $50,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 2.4%3%
Year Founded 19731989
Year Franchised 19861994
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee 15 years (plus two, 5-year renewal options)-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Golden Corral Franchise
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • (or must have partner with industry experience.)

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Golden Corral 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

     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 665 hours Classroom Training: 8.5 hours Additional Training: At company training locationOn-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformPurchasing 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 National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appCo-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; 80% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 100

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% 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 Corral Franchise
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Golden Corral

    Golden Corral restaurants began as budget steakhouses located principally in small cities from Virginia to Texas. In the mid-1980s, guest requests prompted Golden Corral to reinvent itself by introducing the Buffet & Grill Metro unit that features 160 hot and cold items, a carving station, and the Brass Bell Bakery, which offers rolls, muffins, cookies, pies and pizza made from scratch. The buffet was expanded in 2001 to include cooked-to-order sirloin steaks.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a restaurant ranges from $2,700,795 to $5,340,215 for the less expensive restaurant design, and from $3,453,379 to $7,037,915 for the more expensive restaurant design. This amount includes $51,400 to $4,482,285 that must or may be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

    #90 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    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.