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

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Cosi Inc Franchise
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+510 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+510 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Cosi Inc Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Cosi Inc Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-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

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Cosi Inc 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
    Cosi Inc Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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
    "Entrepreneur
    #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.