McAlister’s Deli Eyes Expansion in New Jersey and Metro-New York

McAlister’s Deli®, a fast casual favorite known for its genuine hospitality, hearty sandwiches, giant spuds, craveable salads, savory soups, and iconic McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™, is setting its sights on New Jersey and Metro-New York as the next frontier for growth.

The brand, which operates more than 520 locations nationwide, has steadily expanded along the East Coast in recent years, with restaurants already open in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Eastern Pennsylvania. Now, McAlister’s is ready to bring its hospitality-first dining model to one of the most deli-savvy regions in the country.

Unlike many quick-service concepts, McAlister’s leans on what it calls a “Fast Casual Plus” approach—a blend of sit-down comfort and quick-service convenience. Guests can dine in, order ahead, pick up, or use the brand’s popular catering service. The menu boasts more than 150 items, giving it broader variety than many of its sandwich shop competitors.

Executives say the Northeast push comes at a natural time, with the company surpassing $1 billion in systemwide sales in 2024 and loyalty program participation hitting 30%.

To fuel the expansion, McAlister’s is looking for experienced multi-unit operators who know the local landscape and want to build community-focused businesses. The brand offers flexible restaurant formats, ranging from 3,500-square-foot suburban spaces to 400-square-foot urban sites, and is offering incentives for franchise groups that commit to three or more restaurants by the end of 2025*.

With strong East Coast momentum and a supportive parent company, GoTo Foods, the brand sees New Jersey and Metro-New York as key to its next wave of growth.

* This information is not intended as an offer to sell a franchise. We will not offer you a franchise until we have complied with disclosure and registration requirements in your jurisdiction. Contact McAlister’s Franchisor SPV LLC, located at 5620 Glenridge Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, to request a copy of our FDD. RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the New York Department of Law. RESIDENTS OF MINNESOTA: MN Franchise Registration Numbers: McAlister’s Franchisor SPV LLC: F-8196.