McAlister's Deli vs Tin Star Restaurant Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Tin Star Restaurant Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$500,000
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$20,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19891999
Year Franchised 19942003
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+510 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+510 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Tin Star Restaurant Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Tin Star Restaurant Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Tin Star Restaurant 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 PlatformNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appAd slicks
    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)

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Tin Star Restaurant Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    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 Tin Star Restaurant

    Become a Part of the Tin Star Family Tin Star is seeking energetic, motivated restaurateurs with an unrelenting commitment to Guest service, quality and freshness. We're proud of our concept, and we're excited to find qualified, experienced franchisees who share our passion for great food, fantastic flavors and the Tin Star spirit of hospitality. Take a look at our preliminary requirements and contact our corporate officers for information about available opportunities. If you are interested in developing a specific market and meet all of the preliminary requirements, please complete our application. The Tin Star team has worked hard to put together a franchise program that includes support related to restaurant design, operations, training and development and marketing. Rich Hicks, President, has extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. At Tin Star, our spirit shines through our people, our food, and the experience we create for our Guests. We invite you to get in touch with us to learn more about specific franchise opportunities available at Tin Star.