McAlister's Deli vs Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$1,800,000 - $3,700,000
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 19891974
Year Franchised 19941997
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
Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Quaker Steak & Lube is looking for franchise owners who will be passionate about the brand and philosophically aligned with our values and approach to operating a business. Criteria for a successful franchisee team: * Minimum $500,000 liquidity for single unit development and $1,000,000 liquidity for multi-unit development * Restaurant and/or operational experience * Strong understanding in executing Four-Walls and Local Marketing * Passion for guest service


    Financing Options

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Quaker Steak & Lube 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
    Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours

    Available at headquarters: 8-10 weeks.

    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

    Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app

    Co-op advertising, National media, 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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoNo

    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 Quaker Steak & Lube

    Founded in 1974 in Sharon, Pa., the Award-Winning casual dining restaurant chain has expanded to more than 60 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Quaker Steak & Lube offers the most differentiated decor, including gas station and motoring memorabilia, classic cars, motorcycles and race cars suspended from the ceiling. Voted Best Wings USA, our concept's varied menu has combined craveable food and high-octane events to create a cult-like fan following. With great new franchise territories available, Quaker Steak & Lube offers America's hottest franchise opportunity while winning hundreds of national and international awards for its innovative menu, unique trade dress, jumbo wings and more than 25 signature wing flavors. What We Offer at Quaker Steak & Lube Franchise * Great new franchise territories available around the country * Multiple revenue streams in each location * Multiple building designs * Wide demographic appeal * Fun casual dining environment * Award-Winning menu * Unique trade dress * Over 25 signature wing flavors * Fresh, never frozen, jumbo bone-in wings