McAlister's Deli vs The Cheesecake Cafe Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
The Cheesecake Cafe Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200N/A
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000N/A
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 1989-
Year Franchised 1994-
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+5-
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+5-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
The Cheesecake Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    The Cheesecake Cafe 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
    The Cheesecake Cafe 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
    The Cheesecake Cafe Franchise
    US Expansion 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
    "Entrepreneur
    #72 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #47 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About The Cheesecake Cafe

    As one of Canada's most successful restaurant concepts, limited number of opportunities are now being offered to qualified individuals to become franchisers.The Cheesecake Cafe is a leader in the casual restaurant business. Lunch, brunch, dinner, drinks . . . the cafe meets the expectations of our guests and in return we are rewarded with exceptionally high sales volumes (one of the highest in the country!) Our success can be your success! Your future may be located in one of the markets we have targeted in Canada. Perhaps you presently own, or know of an existing restaurant that could be converted to a The Cheesecake Cafe. As a new franchisee, you will receive training at one of our cafes to teach you The Cheesecake Cafe system. If you already have restaurant management experience, you will appreciate the management system we employ to ensure success.