McAlister’s Deli-Sun Holdings deal represents nearly 100 restaurants
McAlister’s Deli signed a development deal with Sun Holdings. A multi-unit operator, Sun Holdings Chief Executive Guillermo Perales will develop McAlister’s in Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Fast-casual McAlister’s Deli offers a variety of sandwiches, spuds, soups, and McAlister’s “Famous Sweet Tea.” The McAlister’s Deli-Sun Holdings agreement also calls for Sun Holdings to oversee growth in these three states and New Mexico. Sun Holdings takes over operations of 51 existing McAlister’s Deli units in those markets.
In addition, Sun Holdings enters the fast-casual segment for the first time. And it will develop 47 units over seven years. The company also operates numerous retail and food brands. These now include Burger King, Arby’s, Golden Corral, CiCi’s, Krispy Kreme, T-Mobile, Taco Bueno, GNC, and McAlister’s Deli.
Franchisee developed strong foundation
A recipient of the Golden Plate and four Silver Plate awards for Popeyes, the franchise-centric company also received the MUFSO Golden Chain Award and NRN Top 10 Power List Award. Additionally, Sun Holdings has developed 200 units and remodeled another 200 just in the last three years.
The McAlister’s Deli-Sun Holdings deal also expands the Sun Holdings empire. The largest Hispanic Franchise Company in the United States has amassed an impressive number of locations. Sun Holdings operates 293 Burger Kings, 150 Popeyes, 94 Arby’s, 51 McAlister’s Deli restaurants, 20 Golden Corrals, 31 Cici’s, 18 Krispy Kremes, 160 T-Mobiles, 144 Taco Buenos, and 80 GNC locations, in addition to airport-based retail shops.
Sun Holdings expands franchise empire
Perales, also the founder of Sun Holdings, received the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008. He also earned the Latino Leaders Magazine’s 101 Most Influential Latinos recognition for several consecutive years.
“We recently opened our 1,000th location and have been looking for a best-in-class fast-casual restaurant brand to add to our rapidly growing portfolio,” said Perales, in a statement. “As a segment leader with strong unit-level economics that consistently outperform competing brands, McAlister’s Deli exceeded our criteria and was the obvious choice.”
SPV, LLC, the organization franchising McAlister’s Deli, and known simply as “McAlister’s,” has 450 restaurants in 27 states. It’s also under Focus Brands. Part of Atlanta, Ga.-based Roark Capital portfolio of retail brands, Focus brands oversees the Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabom, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery. Additionally, these well-known restaurant chains continue to expand through franchising.
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