McAlister's Deli vs Country Kitchen Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Country Kitchen Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$425,000 - $1,685,000
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 3%3% local + 1% Int'l
Year Founded 19891939
Year Franchised 19941958
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+520 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+520 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Country Kitchen Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Country Kitchen 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
    Country Kitchen Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours Our Education and Training programs help you build an enthusiastic Country Kitchen team with a passion for Absolute Guest Satisfaction. Training videos, operations manuals and on-site training crews are just a few of the tools designed to help your restaurant run efficiently as a team. In addition, we offer a 6 to 10 week hands-on training course at a certified training restaurant, new store opening support and Management Leadership Seminars to build and strengthen your management team.
    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 PlatformWe will provide on-site visitations with a Franchise Consultant. They will cover topics such as financial performance review, operational evolution, sales building, cost controls, and staff (management and hourly) development providing you with sound business advice and direction. We provide such operational tools like our Recruitment, Selection and Retention Library, our Recipe Card System, and our customized M.O.R.E. Operations Manual. And while you can't replace on-site visits and one-on-one interaction, it's nice to know we have programs in place structured to help you overcome every obstacle along the way.
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appOur brand-building promotions offer innovative products with excellent profit margins. We provide effective point-of-purchase materials, award-winning menus and multimedia advertising opportunities to support your operation. Additionally, Country Kitchen offers full local restaurant marketing support with our in-house creative team. From grand opening events and simple advertisements to local market research, we help drive the success of you and your operation.
    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)

    With almost 70 years of successful operations, we've just about seen it all. We've created the operational synergies that make us a world-class franchise system. Driving this synergy is our team of seasoned franchise consultants, who provide you with the building blocks for a successful operation.

    Expansion Plans

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Country Kitchen 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 Country Kitchen

    For over 80 years, Country Kitchen has been a place where guests feel like they’re coming home. The food is always fresh, the smiles stretch a country mile and breakfast can be any time of the day! Light and fluffy pancakes, skillets and omelettes packed with fresh ingredients, thick and juicy burgers, savory sandwiches, hearty dinners, and homemade desserts can be enjoyed at one of our many locations throughout the country!

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Country Kitchen ranges from $575,000 to $1,685,000 for a standard Country Kitchen and $425,000 to 895,000 for a limited service café style Country Kitchen , exclusive of the cost of real estate. These totals include $40,000 that must be paid to the franchisor. The amount paid to the franchisor will increase if you also sign an Area Development Agreement because that agreement requires that in addition to payment of the $40,000 initial franchise fee for the first Country Kitchen you also are required to pay us a deposit of $20,000 for each additional Country Kitchen to be opened under the Area Development Agreement.