Different kind of deli expands in Northeast
The fast-casual restaurant chain McAlister’s Deli has opened its first store in the New York City area, a market where residents know a thing or two about delis.
McAlister’s Deli is a fast-growing fast casual concept with roughly 350 locations sprinkled throughout the south, southeast and mid-Atlantic states. Its newest store in Livingston, New Jersey, just west of Newark, is located in the 93,000-sq.-ft. Shoppes at Livingston Circle anchored by The Fresh Market. The nearest McAlister’s Deli locations are in upstate New York and central Pennsylvania where the chain offers an extensive selection of sandwiches including a signature offering called “The New Yorker,” which is piled high with 10 ounces of corned beef and pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and spicy brown mustard on toasted marbled rye.
“We conducted extensive market research and determined that The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle’s location in one of the state’s most prosperous commercial and residential hubs – along with its diverse co-tenancy and accessibility to the nearby towns of Roseland and East Hanover – perfectly aligned with our business goals,” said McAlister’s Deli General Partner Ash Ram. “What really makes us unique is our focus on customer service. We refer to patrons as ‘guests’ and want them to feel like part of our family. After placing a counter order, servers bring the food directly to your table, refill your drinks as necessary and provide any extras that diners may need. Our staff also busses tables when guests are finished. It’s these added conveniences – along with our fresh and varied menu – that has earned our brand the loyalty of many repeat customers.”
Located at 277 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston, the 3,000-sq.-ft. restaurant joins a host of new retailers, restaurants and service providers that have recently opened in Livingston. In the last 18 months the township has seen more than 30 new businesses either set up shop or announce plans to open including Ulta, 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon, The Container Store, Buy Buy Baby, World Market, DSW Shoes, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack.
“We are pleased to welcome McAlister’s Deli to our growing retail tenant mix, and are confident the restaurant will become an integral part of the local dining landscape and a strong part of the community,” said Peter Schofel, Livingston-based Eastman Companies’ managing partner,
On Route 10 West and less than a mile from The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle at another Eastman-owned and managed retail site, national home furnishings retailer Bassett Home Furnishings celebrated its grand opening in April. The center also includes Men’s Wearhouse and a recently opened Dunkin’ Donuts.