In the world of fast-casual dining, few names have captured the American palate like McAlister's Deli. Known for its hearty sandwiches, giant spuds, and famous sweet tea, McAlister’s has steadily expanded across the U.S., winning loyal customers with a focus on quality, affordability, and Southern hospitality.
As we step into 2025, how many McAlister’s Deli restaurants are there in the country, and where are they most concentrated?
Let’s dive deep into the latest data and trends shaping the brand's national presence.

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How Many McAlister's Deli Restaurants Are There in the United States?

As of 2025, there are 581 McAlister's Deli restaurants operating across the United States.

The brand’s growth strategy has been regional, focusing primarily on suburban markets across the South, Midwest, and Southeastern United States where there’s strong demand for comfort food served in casual settings.

Top 10 States with the Most McAlister's Deli Restaurants

Insights from the Top 10 States with the Most McAlister's Deli Restaurants

• Texas dominates the list with 109 locations, highlighting its massive suburban expansion, strong F&B culture, and family-oriented dining preferences.
• Indiana’s unexpectedly high placement shows that smaller Midwestern states can offer high market penetration if the brand aligns with local tastes (comfort food and casual dining).
• Mississippi, despite a smaller population, has 40 stores — meaning one store per 74,000 residents, one of the highest per capita densities in the country, driven by deep-rooted Southern dining traditions.
• Tennessee, Missouri, and North Carolina illustrate the chain’s continued success across fast-growing Southeastern and Midwestern suburban belts.
• Georgia and South Carolina show that secondary metropolitan markets (like Savannah and Greenville) can also sustain multiple McAlister’s Deli locations.

📈 Summary Insight:
McAlister's Deli thrives in regions with strong suburban growth, family-centric culture, and high commuting populations — all driving a need for casual, convenient dining options.

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States and Territories Without Any McAlister's Deli Restaurants

Despite steady growth, McAlister’s Deli remains absent from 25 states and territories, including:

• California, New York, and Nevada (likely due to intense competition and high operating costs)
• Washington, Oregon, and Connecticut (regions with different dining preferences)
• Hawaii and Alaska (logistical constraints)

Given McAlister's regional roots, national expansion into these areas has been cautious and selective.

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Top 10 Cities with the Most McAlister's Deli Restaurants

Insights from the Top 10 Cities

• Louisville’s dominance with 10 stores shows how deeply McAlister’s is embedded into mid-sized, college-driven, and suburban communities.
• Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Cincinnati reflect the brand’s strong appeal in fast-growing, affordable urban-suburban hybrid cities.
• Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth confirm that Texas’s sprawling cities are a major backbone for McAlister's expansion strategy.
• Springfield, Knoxville, and Oklahoma City highlight how secondary markets with stable, family-oriented demographics provide consistent traffic for casual eateries.

📈 Summary Insight:
McAlister’s succeeds in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where suburban families seek casual dining, reinforcing its expansion model beyond just major metropolitan hubs.

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Total McAlister's Deli Restaurants Impact on the U.S. Market

Winning in the Fast-Casual Category

McAlister’s has carved a strong niche by offering:

• Affordable price points (average ticket ~$13–$15),
• Family-friendly menus (baked potatoes, salads, sandwiches),
• Regional customization based on local food preferences,
• Dine-in and off-premise readiness (pickup, drive-thru, catering).

As reported by QSR Magazine 2025, McAlister’s is among the Top 10 fastest-growing fast-casual brands this year by unit growth.

Balancing Urban and Suburban Growth

Rather than over-expanding into highly competitive urban downtowns, McAlister’s focus on suburban centers has proven highly profitable.
Key strategies include:

• Targeting secondary cities with 300K–700K population,
• Partnering with shopping plazas and standalone drive-thru pads,
• Increasing off-premise dining sales, which now represent 40% of total revenue.

Analyzing McAlister's Deli US Growth Trajectory

Expansion Path 2015–2025

• 2015: ~400 locations.
• 2020: 450 locations.
• 2025: 581 locations.

This steady, controlled expansion has allowed McAlister’s to maintain strong unit economics without cannibalization.

Future Plans

Investor Insights: McAlister’s Deli 2025 Vision

Strengths

• High franchise profitability: Average unit sales exceeding $1.8M/year.
• Diversified menu: Balanced appeal across age groups and dietary needs.
• Operational efficiency: Low food waste and fast table turnover metrics.

Opportunities

• Expansion into California and Northeastern U.S. markets remains largely untapped.
• Strong potential for airport locations, university towns, and medical districts.

📈 McAlister’s Deli's blend of suburban expansion, brand loyalty, and steady franchising makes it a highly attractive model for F&B investors.

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Conclusion

As of 2025, McAlister's Deli represents a fast-casual powerhouse, strategically growing in America's suburban markets while maintaining operational efficiency and high customer loyalty.
With smart site selection and a focus on off-premise dining, the brand is well-positioned to thrive in the new era of flexible, convenient dining.

How xMap's Insights Help F&B Businesses and Investors

Using xMap's Polygon AI, food and beverage businesses can:

• Pinpoint suburban growth hotspots ideal for new restaurant openings,
• Analyze competitor density and local demographic preferences,
• Predict future foot traffic using geospatial AI,
• Make faster, smarter, lower-risk expansion decisions.

Discover how xMap powers smarter F&B expansions