McAlister's Deli vs I Dream of Falafel Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
I Dream of Falafel Franchise
Investment $398,000 - $2,094,200$337,811 - $470,302
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $35,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 19892009
Year Franchised 19942011
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+510 years +5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years +5+5+510 years +5+5
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
McAlister's Deli Franchise
I Dream of Falafel Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• Prior experience in foodservice is a plus but not required to join the I Dream of Falafel system. We look for franchise owners who have solid staff management and customer service skills. We are also seeking franchise owners who will be directly involved in the operations and growth of their I Dream of Falafel businesses, unless they have an operating partner with a minimum equity in the business. In turn, we'll provide the support franchisees need to run their I Dream of Falafel operations. We do, of course, also expect that franchisees have the right amount of capital to invest in the franchise.

    Financing Options
     
    McAlister's Deli Franchise
    I Dream of Falafel 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
    I Dream of Falafel Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 206 hours Classroom Training: 45 hours We will provide pre-opening franchisee training to up to three individuals for up to 28 days at our corporate support center, plus up to ten days of onsite assistance and training around the time of your restaurant's Grand Opening.
    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 pre-opening franchisee training to up to three individuals for up to 28 days at our corporate support center, plus up to ten days of onsite assistance and training around the time of your restaurant's Grand Opening. As a franchise owner, you will have access to all I Dream of Falafel trademarks, recipes and procedures. We'll also present you with a copy of our confidential operations manual to help you run your restaurant properly on a day-to-day basis.
    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
    I Dream of Falafel 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 I Dream of Falafel

    A Flavorful Opportunity with the I Dream of Falafel Mediterranean Restaurant Franchise Consumers are not only looking for great taste and affordability but also varied, healthier menu options. The I Dream of Falafel Mediterranean restaurant franchise fulfills their wishes! According to a number of media sources, the popularity of Mediterranean cuisine1 (including hummus, chickpeas, yogurt, olive oil, and other items deemed healthful by consumers), continue to grow year over year, as does revenue from sales of Mediterranean-inspired menu selections That's why I Dream of Falafel is appealing to so many different types of customers: from younger students to older professionals, from families to singles, plus vegetarians and vegans, and more - just about everyone can find something to love. The I Dream of Falafel menu is streamlined, yet amazingly diverse, with a nearly limitless number of possible meal combinations and fresh options for all our guests.