McAlister's Deli vs Cosi Inc Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of McAlister's Deli vs Cosi Inc including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$398,000 - $2,094,200 | $762,600 - $899,800 |
Franchise Fee |
$15,000 - $35,000 | $40,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | 5% |
Advertising Fee |
3% | 2% |
Year Founded |
1989 | - |
Year Franchised |
1994 | - |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years +5+5+5 | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years +5+5+5 | 10 years |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience | - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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 |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
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
#72 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#47 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About Cosi Inc
At the heart of every Cosi restaurant is an open-flame stone-hearth
oven where the Cosi signature flatbread is made from scratch throughout
the day. The flatbread is made from a generations-old recipe and is
part of many Cosi favorites.
Cosi was founded on the idea that
good-for-you food should be delicious. Menu items are made using fresh
ingredients and distinctive sauces and spreads to create edgy flavors.
The menu features made-to-order sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, bowls,
breakfast wraps, melts, all natural soups, signature Squagels, artisan
flatbread pizzas, S'mores, snacks and desserts. Guests can also enjoy
handcrafted beverages and a variety of coffee-based and specialty
beverages.