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McAlister’s Deli signs development agreements in Georgia and Illinois

McAlister’s Deli, a fast casual restaurant chain known for its Famous Sweet Tea, signed franchise agreements with experienced multi-unit franchise owners, in both Georgia and Illinois.

The restaurant chain is set to open five restaurants in the Atlanta market over the next several years, with the goal of opening locations in Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek and Snellville. In addition, multiple new locations are set to open throughout Illinois, with three locations slated to open in key growth markets such as Effingham, Decatur and Champaign.

“Both Georgia and Illinois are key growth markets for McAlister’s and by teaming up with some of the most successful multi-unit franchise owners in the country, we will not only elevate our presence in these states, but nationally as well,” said Jeff Sturgis, McAlister’s vice president of Franchise Development. “These experienced franchisees bring a wealth of knowledge and success developing and operating restaurants. We are confident they will be a great complement to our existing base of successful multi-unit franchisees.”

The Atlanta locations will be operated by James Butler and Tye Hill, who are currently Golden Corral franchisees with locations in Alabama and Georgia. Both former NFL players, the duo are adding McAlister’s to their business portfolio.

The Illinois restaurants will be developed and owned by Charlie Rodgers, an experienced developer, restaurant operator and business owner, with holdings in Indiana and Illinois.

McAlister’s had a successful year of franchise growth in 2015, with $548 million in system-wide sales, the opening of 27 new restaurants – some in new markets, including Chicago, Rochester, and Orlando – and nearly 60 commitments for new restaurants. This growth is fueled by both existing franchisees as well as new partnerships with experienced multi-unit franchise owners with notable portfolios.

McAlister’s currently operates more than 361 franchised locations in the U.S., across 28 states. The company has attracted a record number of franchise inquiries in recent years due to its quality leadership, healthy sales to investment ratio, and exceptional company performance.

— From the Illinois Business Journal

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