McAlister's Deli vs Perkins Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Perkins Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$1,557,975 - $2,742,975
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19891958
Year Franchised 19941958
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+520 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+520 years
Renewal Fee -$5000-$7500


Business Experience Requirements
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Perkins Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Perkins 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
    Perkins 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
    Perkins Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    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 Perkins

    In today’s market, the opportunity to buy a Perkins® restaurant franchise business couldn’t be better for experienced restaurateurs interested in aligning with a concept that has withstood the test of time. Now more than ever, restaurant customers are looking for value without sacrificing selection and taste. A top leader in the family restaurant dining segment since 1958, Perkins offers high quality, flavorful and affordable menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and snack. With more than 440 units across the U.S. and Canada, the heritage of the Perkins brand and the ability to adapt to current consumer trends have placed it among the top performing companies in the family restaurant franchise segment.

    It’s time to take a fresh look at Perkins Restaurants. Find out how you can own one of the best family restaurant franchises in the business, and deliver the Perkins experience to loyal diners, through single-unit operations and multi-unit ownership franchise opportunities. Perkins gives you the chance to bring comfort, value, and great taste to your community - not to mention solid growth potential to your own career in foodservice.

    Perkins has a vision for the future, and wants you to be part of it: our goal is to continue to offer great food and memorable dining experiences to guests across the continent!

    Join Perkins and leverage our name, our established systems, and our special recipes - all while pleasing your guests and charting your future in the industry.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Perkins Restaurant and Bakery franchise is $1,557,975 - $2,742,975. This includes the $50,000 initial fee paid to the franchisor (unless you are participating in the Refranchising Program). Under the Company Restaurant Refranchising Program, in which an existing company-owned restaurant is transferred to a franchisee, the initial franchise fee is negotiable and will vary in amount depending on, among other things, the length of the franchise term and the profitability of the restaurant (additional information about the Refranchising Program is provided in the Disclosure Document).
    In addition, if you sign a Development Agreement for three or more restaurants, the initial franchise fee is $40,000 for the first restaurant, $35,000 for the second restaurant and $30,000 for the third and any subsequent restaurant(s).