McAlister’s Deli Fast Casual Plus 2025 Expansion Targets NYC and New Jersey

McAlister’s Deli is entering the New York City metro area and New Jersey with its new Fast Casual Plus model — a hybrid approach combining the comfort of casual dining with the speed of quick-service.

The new model is already delivering results. According to McAlister’s, it has driven record-breaking first-week sales, a 30% loyalty program participation rate, and helped push systemwide sales beyond $1 billion in 2024.

Strategic East Coast Growth

This northeast expansion continues McAlister’s deliberate growth along the East Coast, joining its existing presence in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and Eastern Pennsylvania. Backed by real estate mapping and market research, the brand has pinpointed suburban and urban areas with high development potential.

McAlister’s flexible restaurant formats include:

  • Standard locations: 3,100–3,500 sq ft

  • Compact urban models: ~2,200 sq ft

  • Micro-formats: As small as 400 sq ft

More Than Just Grab-and-Go

“In a market saturated with grab-and-go options, McAlister’s stands apart,” the company said. The brand offers friendly service, a 159-item menu, and a dining experience focused on nourishing human connections.

As part of the GoTo Foods portfolio, McAlister’s is backed by enterprise-level support in technology, supply chain, marketing, culinary R&D, and digital innovation.

Franchise Incentives for Multi-Unit Operators

To accelerate growth in key markets, McAlister’s Deli is offering limited-time incentives to operators who sign three or more franchise agreements by Dec. 15, 2025 in select emerging markets. The brand is actively seeking franchisees with local knowledge, community focus, and a passion for hospitality.

McAlister’s Deli, founded in 1989, now operates more than 520 restaurants across 29 states.