McAlister's Deli vs Fresh To Order Franchise Comparison

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.

#72 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

#47 in Franchise 500 for 2021.

When Pierre Panos envisioned the Fresh To Order concept, he didn’t intend to pioneer a new style of dining that would change the industry, he simply wanted to bring a finer dining experience to the masses at fast casual price points in an elevated dining environment with flavorful, always from scratch cooking. Pierre tapped Jesse Gideon, his corporate chef from his Stoney River concept to lead the charge in creating this food-first culture that is our DNA today…… No commissary driven food here!

The future growth of Fresh To Order Franchising Company, LLC will be based upon company opened stores as well as the continued sale of single and multi unit franchises. We prefer to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 2-5 stores in a period of 3 years. Be part of a new niche that we call "fast fine" with incredible food served in less than 10 minutes for around $10 while surrounded by beautiful facilities. Beat the competition with a finer dining taste profile at a fast casual price point. Be proud to serve proteins cooked fresh to order as they are ordered unlike all our competitors premade or commissary driven food. Be passionate about the quality of a brand that actually has their brand promise entrenched in their name. Lead the consumer trend towards the combination of healthy but flavorful food; a trend that experts agree is the future of dining.Fresh To Order is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this trend, our name specifically speaks to that. Be part of a fast casual brand that has a dinner day part. The fast casual segment currently doesn't offer a broad selection of dinner entrees, beer and wine that attracts a more profitable dinner service; our menu drives dinner service close to 40% of our sales. Work with an experienced, respected management team able to lead change and always keep your investment fresh and relevant. f2o franchisees must be well-capitalized to open great stores and meet their development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent restaurant operators to operate great Fresh To Order stores. All information submitted to Fresh To Order Franchising Company, LLC is used only to assist in the pre-screening of potential franchises, and will be kept confidential. If you are interested in developing a specific market and meet all of the preliminary requirements, please complete the form to the right.