McAlister's Deli vs Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$1,332,100 - $1,958,333
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%5%
Year Founded 19891996
Year Franchised 19942009
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
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • * Industry experience * (or must have partner with industry experience.)

    Financing Options

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge 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
    Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge 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 PlatformField operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appCo-op advertising, Regional advertising
    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)

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 75

    Expansion Plans

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge 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 Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge

    Faro opened his first pizza shop in 1978. From this time to 1987, Faro opened seven more pizza shops in the area. In 1990, Faro sold the franchise with the idea that he and his family would be moving back and living in Sicily from now on. As it happens many times, circumstances changed and the family moved back to Grand Rapids.

    Faro was, once again, in the restaurant business when he opened Uccello’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Sports Lounge on East Beltline in 1996. Uccello's Ristorante has officially opened up 6 locations in the last 23 years, the most recent being Downtown Grand Rapids across from Rosa Parks Circle. 

    Faro didn't want to stop there. In 2016, Uccello's Hospitality Group expanded when opening their first fast-casual concept, Herb & Fire Pizzeria, in Grandville. Since then, UHG has opened a second location by Celebration! Cinema North on East Beltline.  


    ​Uccello’s Hospitality Group has grown into 8 successful locations, inspired by Faro’s personal philosophy: "Always strive to give your guest more than they would normally expect. Provide people the opportunity to enjoy great food and the hospitality to match. You must always strive to be better in everything, and never compromise on top quality in any area”.