McAlister’s Deli signs 47-unit franchise deal

McAlister’s Deli will see franchise growth in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

The fast-casual restaurant chain has signed a new development deal with Best Choice Restaurants, an affiliate of Sun Holdings Inc., a franchise organization founded by mega-multi-unit operator Guillermo Perales. In addition to developing 47 restaurants over the next seven years, Sun Holdings has consolidated several franchises to get to 51 locations throughout the four states: 36 in Texas, eight in Florida, four in New Mexico, and three in Louisiana. 

Sun Holdings operates Burger King, Arby's, Golden Corral, CiCi's, Krispy Kreme, T-Mobile, Taco Bueno, McAlister's Deli, and GNC locations across the country. During the past three years, the company has developed more than 200 locations and 200 remodels.

In addition to its franchise agreements with Best Choice Restaurants, McAlister’s Deli is continuing with expansion and is currently targeting new markets across the U.S. McAlister's Franchisor SPV LLC currently has more than 450 restaurants in 27 states and is part of the Focus Brands portfolio, including Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's Austin Eatery. All franchisees within the McAlister's Deli system have the ability to use Focus Brands' shared services, including marketing, real estate, and technology.

"This particular development deal marks a very significant milestone for our brand, as it is one of the largest number of franchises that we have sold in a single transaction in our company history,” said Joe Guith, president of McAlister's Deli. “This transaction accelerates our nationwide growth plans. Perales is the owner and operator of several iconic brands, and his investment in McAlister's Deli showcases the strength of our business model and franchise opportunity.”

"As a segment leader with strong unit-level economics that consistently outperform competing brands, McAlister's Deli exceeded our criteria and was the obvious choice," said Perales, founder and CEO of Sun Holdings, Inc. "We are honored to be able to expand our impact in the communities we serve by offering great tasting food as well as contributions to education and meals for the underserved."