McAlister’s Deli was founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, by retired dentist Dr. Don Newcomb. The original restaurant was a renovated gas station. Most locations today still copy the old-fashioned “gas station” look today, including black and white floor tiles, and “garage” style doors.
Today, McAlister’s Deli operates a chain of 350 mostly franchised locations in 26 states. The company offers catering services, as well as a large selection of sandwiches, salads, oversized baked potatoes, and boxed “to-go” lunches. McAlister’s operates as a subsidiary of Focus Brands.
The company has received several awards, including Best Franchise Deal in 2014 by QSR, being listed in FastCasual’s list of Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2013, as well as being named Top Casual Fast Food award in both 2013 and 2014.
As of 2021, the company has 5,000 locations.
McAlister’s Deli maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.
McAlister’s Deli was founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, by retired dentist Dr. Don Newcomb. The original restaurant was a renovated gas station. Most locations today still copy the old-fashioned “gas station” look today, including black and white floor tiles, and “garage” style doors.
History
Today, McAlister’s Deli operates a chain of 350 mostly franchised locations in 26 states. The company offers catering services, as well as a large selection of sandwiches, salads, oversized baked potatoes, and boxed “to-go” lunches. McAlister’s operates as a subsidiary of Focus Brands.
The company has received several awards, including Best Franchise Deal in 2014 by QSR, being listed in FastCasual’s list of Top 100 Movers and Shakers in 2013, as well as being named Top Casual Fast Food award in both 2013 and 2014.
As of 2021, the company has 5,000 locations.
McAlister’s Deli maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.
In regards to employee shift meal that were provided and agreed upon at the time of employment acceptance, it has come to my attention that McAllisters deli did not provide any written documentation that employees will no longer be receiving this meal credit from their employer and forthwith be required to either purchase their own shift meal at a discount, which in my opinion is still outrageously priced for your product quality, or bring their own meal. My question is- do you have a separate refrigerator for the employees to store their meals away from the store’s products to avoid cross contamination? By federal law this is required. Also, is this is their employee handbook? Was a new one provided when this rule changed?
My biggest issue is I have a daughter who works at this location who suffers from a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. This is low blood sugar. If too low of a level she can fall, cut or injure herself. In the worst case she could seize and fall into a coma. Now I was told that your first aide kits contained a vital aide that could prevent that- and now finding out you have taken her ability to nourish herself without proper notice- written or otherwise-but you have CANCELLED this first aide kit item and will no longer be providing it. Glucose powder. That was done without written notice being posted ANYWHERE and only known by word of mouth. This I find to be UNACCEPTABLE UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNLAWFUL. What you are doing to these children is against the Ohio board of labor laws and you know it! You think because they are children or just becoming legal adults that they aren’t educated enough to say or do anything about it but when it comes to the health and well being of my child I will direct her to legal aid and they will have a FIELD DAY with the videos of the conduct of the so called “managers” and team leads in your facility. Or the hours you’ve had 16&17 year old children working, without having the proper documentation turned in FIRST. It will not be difficult to prove against the paychecks. When my hypoglycemic daughter, who in the midst of bottoming out from low blood sugar levels asked the person currently in charge for help with food because you so carelessly, and unlawfully took away their free shift meals without written notice, or an updated handbook (and by the way with no access to the glucose powder that was provided in the first aide kit and suddenly no longer there, I’d also like to inquire about the company food allowance. I want to know what the food budget is for this store and what is left over. Do you have enough left in that budget to continue providing a shift lunch and chose to reallocate those funds to managements payroll???? Also, by Ohio law and this is a fact you also have an option for the adults to deduct their food from their paycheck equal to one hours wage. Look it up) but this person in charge was unpleasant and told her she should have been prepared (even though they only get paid TWO TIMES A MONTH) and bought her a small as max and cheese and acted like she was saint fucking Mary. It’s taking everything in me not to want to beat her a$$. Just so you know. Her name is something like Dominica or something like that. My daughter is $$$$&&. She is a hard dedicated and reliable employee who has been there a while. Prob close to a year now. She’s had offers to leave. She’s come in on days off. She deserves better.
With this said- I will be calling in myself tomorrow as $$&&&will not be coming back in until Friday. Her health has been in decline as her hypoglycemia has not been properly managed and she will need to be assessed and diagnosed and given a new plan to move forward. Because of this situation she has also suffered mental distress. As you can imagine. So she will be taking this time to recover from the damage you caused to her mental health through this ordeal. You will receive a dr note from her health provider but if I were you I would start thinking about how you are going to make this up to her and how you’re going to make this right. Please feel free to discuss this with your legal team. There are plenty of employees that will be glad to put in writing everything I just said was factual.
Thank you
Today, June 11, 2023, my family and I dined-in for lunch at the McAlister’s located at 1605 GA Hwy 20, McDonough, GA 30253. The host, Keyana, was pleasant and took our order. However, the customer before us requested to speak with the manager about a refund because her order was made incorrectly twice. Keyana went into the back to get the manager to speak with the customer about the refund.
The manager, Melinda, came to the counter irate with the customers requesting a refund. They tried to explain that their order was made wrong twice and they no longer wanted their food, they wanted a full refund. The manager, Melinda, screams at Keyana, “Just give her the refund!”. Melinda walks back into the back while Keyana informed her that she “doesn’t know how to do a refund.”
About ten minutes go by and the customer is still waiting at the counter for a refund. The customer asks Keyana to get the manager a second time. Melinda storms back to the counter and rudely exchanged words with the customer. My family and I along with dozens of others witnessed this incredibly distasteful exchange between Melinda and the customer. Melinda finally gave the woman a refund.
It was baffling to witness the manager yell at customers and she never even apologized to the customers for their order being made incorrectly.
As I remained seated, awaiting my order to be prepared, I quietly asked Keyana for the manager’s name. At first she appeared frightened, looked down and said, “I don’t know her name.” I told Keyana that I promised not to get her into trouble but please find out the manager’s name. A few minutes later, Keyana went into the kitchen and asked another associate for the manager’s name and was told that her name is “Melinda.” Keyana walked back over to let me know that Melinda is the shift lead and Mark is the store manager. As Keyana was telling me this, I noticed the associate who gave Keyana the information walk to Melinda and whispered something to her. Melinda began gawking at me with her eyeglasses positioned at the end of her nose. I immediately noticed her rude stares at me and returned stared at her.
We continued to wait for our food and patrons who ordered after us received their orders. After waiting 30 minutes, my spouse noticed that our order was completed but the manager took our order into the back. My wife was extremely suspicious that our food was taken back into the kitchen after it had been fully prepared. She asked for a refund but the cashier said she’d need to get the manager for authorization. I walked to the counter and demanded a refund because we saw the food get taken back into the kitchen per Melinda’s orders. Melinda appeared to the counter screaming and yelling that we would not be getting a refund and to leave the store. We said ok but not until we received a refund since we never got our food after 30 minutes. She was confrontational to Keyana, who was completely kind to all patrons the entire time we were there. She said Keyana “started this” and she told Keyana to “clock out and go home.” I became outraged calling Melinda a bully for abusing the young kids working there. Keyana clocked out as she was told. We contacted McDonough Police and two patrolmen arrived. The officers informed Melinda that she had to provide us a full refund given that we hadn’t ever received our food.
Talk about disgusting, abusive behavior of a manager. I feel partly responsible for Keyana being sent home. She provided me with Melinda’s name although she was extremely afraid to.
Our order totaled to $35.13 and we did leave a cash tip in the tip jar.
We feel terrible about the manager’s retaliatory actions towards Keyana. We would like to provide this young woman with the full amount of the hours she lost today after being sent home by Melinda for no apparent reason other than to be spiteful for Keyana providing me with the manager’s name.
Please let me know how I can pay for Keyana’s hourly wage for the hours she lost today. This incident occurred today around 3:12pm, June 11, 2023.
We went into your Burlington Iowa location as a softball team Saturday night at 6:00. No acknowledgement for 15 minutes. Our group had 30 people total. Store was not busy. Then finally cashier said manager will talk to you. Waited another 5 minutes and no Manager. The cashier came out and said we don’t have enough food for us. Really??? This is 6:00 at night. There was 5 employees. Will never go back.
I just ordered from Doordash at the Cincinnati OH location on Cox Lane and was missing two items from the order. I contacted the restaurant at 513-755-6888. I was told that it wasn’t there fault, and that I would have to contact Doordash. However, the bag was stapled shut, so it should have been checked by the staff prior to doordash getting there. And with the bag stapled shut, doordash could not open. I contacted Doordash and they are to credit me for the two items. I am very disappointed with this service, especially since I live very close. As a manager myself, I would have taken the items to their house due to “our” mistake.
You all need to put one on Dixie Highway in Louisville ky so I won’t have to go far for me and kids to eat. It would be love if you all could put one on Dixie Highway. There is a lot of open places on Dixie that you all can put one out here.
I went to McAlister’s in Temple TX this evening for diner. I ordered the Black Angus spud with extra gravy. I was told it only came with whatever they called it. I ordered no onions. My wife ordered a BOWL of Cheddar soup. She got a bowl with aproximently, 5/8 in of soup in the bottom of the bowl and one package of 2 crackers. I have a picture of this serving which I would gladly send to anyone that would like to see it. My $8.49 spuds came dry with covering of red onions. when I asked for more juice I was told there is an additional charge. I find that this unit is a very good example of a BAD example. One couple left without eating the service was so bad. Maybe one of your VIPs should go by incognito and enjoy the occasion. We enjoyed all we can stand.
I just called McAlister’s to inquire about the new tumblers that come out today, Cyber Monday & the price is $100.00 friggin greenbacks…are you kidding me? Even though it comes with free tea for a year i’d have to drink a ton of tea to justify the cost. I imagine they won’t be selling many of these at this price. Come on McAlister’s you can do better than that. If nothing else just sell the tumbler by itself with no tea for a year. A HUNDRED DOLLARS…I STILL CAN’T GET OVER THAT.
My fiance and I met 2 friends at the Bartlett Tn location on 11/8/19 around 7pm, as we walked up and ordered our meals and 2 Arnold Palmers to drink the female cashier was extremely rude and had no idea what that drink was, as we tried to explain it to her the attitude we received was even worse. The order was taken wrong even though we had to say 2 times. No one was wearing hair nets, not even the food handlers in the back. No gloves or anything for food safety. After we received our food the order was wrong and again really bad attitudes when asked for the correct order. after finally getting the correct turkey melt we found a large sharp piece of plastic in the salad and the plates were extremely dirty and filthy. Bad, bad service and food all around. This location and its quality has degraded over the last 2 years. We will never go back and after posting pics on social media and local sites the response has been overwhelmingly bad. I never new so many people had horrible experiences at this location. I truly cannot se how it is still open.
On October 3, my son and I decided to go to McAlister’s, a new restaurant in the area. We walked in looked at the menu, made our choices and walked up to the counter to be serviced. The first thing I noticed was the servers had no hair restraints or nets on. I asked for a chicken salad sandwich, and was told immediately they were out of that item, which I found interesting, and decided on the McAlister Club with a fruit bowl as did my son.
We received the food rather promptly, and started eating. I took one bite from one quarter of my sandwich and realized it had honey mustard on it. Being allergic to honey I took off the part of the sandwich that had it on it, and continued to eat the remaining and the next quarter. The next thing I realize is there is a hair in my mouth, so I slowly pull it out, and I see it is still sticking out of the sandwich, so I laid it down and got a little nauseated feeling. I pointed it out to my son, and he said, let’s just finish our fruit and leave. So, I started eating the fruit, I ate a few blueberries, and then forked a strawberry and was about to eat it when I saw a black spot. Thinking it was just a leaf, I tried to knock it off to only discover it was MOLD. So I pushed it off and forked a piece of Honeydew Melon. I put it in my mouth to find it very slimy, so I spit it out. This is when I said this is horrible food to be a brand new restaurant and we need to let them know. So my son picked up the tray and carried it to the front to chat with the manager as I followed.
Mr. Jeff Holden came to the front, and we told him of the issues we were having. He said he was sorry about everything, and offered to “comp” our whole meal. So we said okay. He took our receipt and kept apologizing and saying he would complete the credit transaction at the time of close that night. We did not think anything else about it, and went home hungry.
On October 9, 2019, 6 days after being at McAlister’s, that afternoon I was paying bills and checked to see if the credit had hit my account from McAlister’s, but it had not. So, I looked up the phone number and called McAlister’s at 5:53 pm and asked for the manager. I told the person that answered my name and she put me on hold. I held on the phone until 6:05 pm waiting for him to come to the phone. After approx 10 minutes I hung up. At 7:29 pm, Jeff Holden called me back. I was in dispose and unable to grab the phone. I noticed he left a message, (and it is still on my phone) so I called him back at 7:49 pm. When we finally connected, I told him I had checked my statement for the credit and it had not hit, so I was checking to see if he had forgotten to complete the transaction. He said, he had not been able to process the transaction without the credit card, and that we needed to return to the restaurant to bring him my credit card or I needed to give my credit card number to him over the phone in order for the credit to be processed. This was a totally different response to what he told us the night we were at the restaurant. While we were standing in the restaurant on 10/3, chatting with Mr. Holden, we asked him to credit our card while we were still there. He was apologizing for the issues, saying he realized they had many problems because they were a new restaurant and they were working out the kinks daily. He took our receipt, and told us he would NOT need the card to credit us back, “all he needed was our receipt” and that he would credit it back to my card via the number on the receipt that evening when they closed. So, I DO NOT have the receipt. He does or did. This will never happen to us again. If there is an issue, we will take a copy of the receipt before we give it to anyone. I was not feeling well the night I called, and told him I could not come into the restaurant, as I was having stomach issues. He then said I could give him the credit card number over the phone. Now days, I do not just freely give out my credit card number to just anyone, like we have been instructed many times due to fraud.
I think McAlister’s needs to train your managers on how to handle this type of situation and they should be able to credit back a meal if there is an issue at the time the issue takes place. It will be a long time if ever that we go back to this place and I hate it because I was so looking forward to a new place to go to and grab a sandwich or salad.. $19.78 doesn’t sound like much but if the food is a health hazard, then it is a lot of money if you get food poisoning or hepatitis!
What happened to the tuna salad croissant? Most the time when I go to McAlister’s I get the tuna croissant. Yesterday at the Kokomo, Indiana, McAlisters I was told that they didn’t have them anymore. I guess I won’t be visiting McAlisters near as much in the future. Also what’s up with the rewards app. Everytime I go to get a rewards it says, “None Available”. Not even a cookie.
this message is to the management team that oversees Bridgeton, Mo. and other local McAlisters. My wife and I have been a fan of yours since you came to town. We typically eat their once, sometimes two times a week. We live in Bridgeton. I took the family there about a week ago in the early evening and was surprised at the wait for our meal. they had been out of our regular items and we had to change our selection, no problem, but I asked the manager, a 30ish average build and weight base ball hat and a beard about the lack of items and he responded that was just the way it is. We ate our meal and left with no further contact from anyone. Last night my family, four, wanted to eat there, I was reluctant but gave in. As we stood waiting our turn to order a lady walked in went straight to the counter and ordered from a young employee who had seen that we were waiting! We tried to place our order next and on almost everything we ordered there was some item that was ” we are out of” to the point that we asked if they could substitute, the person taking our order said she believed so but then the manager overheard and replied for a additional Dollar Only ! quite rudely. After about 20 minutes waiting at the table they finally brought the order, several items were missing that they also said as they put it on the table, they were out of them aaalso!!!. I’d had enough by then and told them that we were leaving and wanted my money returned. After a few minutes and the manager yelling from the kitchen area the young man who took the order before us, brought the money and slapped it down on the table with a half-hearted SORRY. As we walked out to my truck we clearly heard the Manager say ” I don’t care if they are walking out!!! I am hoping that your team will very quickly correct this situation so we can feel comfortable going to McAlisters again or we will not choose your restaurant again and will certainly share our experience due too your Manager and his level of concern for customer satisfaction.
My experience at the McAlister’s on Stone Drive in Kingsport was disappointing to say the least. Just popped in for a piece of carrot cake to go, but it so dumbfounded the ignorant guy in the back that he had to hand the to go box and the open cake through the window to a girl up front with loose messy hair and long gross nails to box it. I can see why this location is always empty!
I visited the McAllister Deli in Clinton, MS today on Highway 80 and my experience was horrible! I came in the store really early to heat the lunch crowd (10:38 am). I ordered the chose 2 and a cup of soup. My table number was 60. My good was placed in the window at 11:01 am. The food sit there for approximately 7 minutes until I finally got up and went to the counter to ask for it. The girl just passed it to me and the manager (I assume wearing an orange shirt) working in the back cooking asked her “why are you passing her the food”. I politely stated because it’s been sitting her a long time and I’m hungry. Once I sit down the food was barely warm. I was too frustrated to eat it. I paid $15 for my lunch. What a waste!! I won’t be returning!
I was so happy to start having a restaurant that had
Gluten free bread very important! The McAllisters in Madison, Ms is the worst one I have ever been to.
I go there frequently because of a Gluten free menu
Today they sent me home with a wheat club and
They said it was not their fault because they only do what the call center said. Gluten free bread was
Said twice in the conversation. Last week end my family went people were leaving because their
Orders not coming out asking for their money nb back. Today at 1:19 they were out of Mac and Cheese. A little girl crying and mother had to take her out side. Last Sunday a man literally cussed
And said give him his cash back and he was leaving. They got his meal right out . Four people in his party! They returned his money and gave him all of the table free food. There is very poor management. No organization and waiters could care less! I took my food back today and she said she would run my card back through and let her know if it was not credited in 48 hours! Somebody needs to get down here and figure this out! When Newk’s gets to town this will be a 2nd option. I
Go to other McAlliisters and Never like this! People are all complaining but I just keep going for the bread! Sorry I can not say one positive place about this place except it has gluten bread!
To start off i eat at McAlisters often and sometimes i receive rewards and sometimes i dont get any in months. I wish there was a program that you could scan your card or phone to earn points for a discount or a free item. I am not sure how you even track how many times a person eats at your restaurants. I think you would get more customers if this was in place. Also the tea card was a nice feature and loved it, but now you took that away. When you go into the restaurants no one can ever tell you what the rewards program is about, they dont understand it either, but they always ask are you a rewards customer. When i ask how does help me and they say they dont teally know. You have a great restaurant and quality food, but all customers would like a little appreciate. Thank you, Jeanne Bertoia -Cincinnati, OH
My daughter started her first ever job at mcalister’s she have a bank account so she wanted a direct deposit, the first 2 weeks her direct deposit was not set up but they had a paper check and that was ok,but we had to go to the bank to get another direct deposit slip well 2/15/19 was her pay day and not only her direct deposit wasn’t set up but she didn’t get paid and an employee named Corey told her to go to her bank so we went and the banker pulled up her account and said if the check was not to be found and she still haven’t been paid
Need human resource phone number for the muncie Indiana store .so unprofessional and not trained in situations where they need to talk to a person and not text especially when it comes to an employee pay check she was to get paid 2/15/19 and she haven’t been paid and they can’t tell her anything
maybe you should’ve had her direct deposit set up
I frequent our local McAlisters at this location:
3200 FM 544
Ste 101
Wylie, TX 75098
The last two times I have ordered to go, both orders have had issues.
#1: I ordered a French Dip and when I got home discovered that there was no Au jus with the sandwich. I wasn’t going back.
#2: Today I ordered a chicken salad sandwich on rye bread. When I got home I had a sliced chicken sandwich and not chicken salad. Obviously the girl who took my order didnt know the menu. I didnt go back.
Right now I am pretty disappointed with McAlisters
CT
I am a current employee at the Bristol, Va location. I really love everything about my job, other than the Director of Training, Angel. The days that she isn’t there are wonderful, but the days she is there are awful! Usually there are at least 4 or 5 people that ask as soon as they clock in, “Does Angel work today?” As soon as she walks in the attitudes and atmosphere changes, every single time. We were having a great day today, until she came in. She barks everything, and I mean everything. She picks on every single thing. She has been so disrespectful to me and not only made me angry, but hurt my feelings many times. She talks down to the managers, as well. It is my understanding that she has a lot of personal issues going on, and won’t go into those, but doesn’t everyone? We all have good and bad days- but it is our job to put a smile on our face and be nice and respectful, not only to the customers, but our co-workers as well. There are a few of us that honestly feel like she could care less if we stay or go. We feel unappreciated, and a few people have quit because of her. (It was said that she was sent to Johnson City for almost a week, while their manager came to our store, because so many employees had quit and mentioned her as part of the reason.) Every other manager makes me feel appreciated and is patient and kind. Like I said, I really enjoy my job. It is a great place to work! We all pitch in and help our team mates and the job itself is challenging, but fun. I just wish that the “head honcho” wasn’t so rude and cold towards the employees.
Cole they’re hiring manger gave me an unfair chance because he judged me on my appearance and objectified me by my outfit when I was in a rush to get there he made me feel uncomfortable and didn’t hire me even tho I’m over qualified. but because 1 inch of my stomach was showing through the sweater I was wearing, with intention to cover, he decided I am not fit for a position I have more than enough experience for. I was given an unfair chance by cole and although I will never want to work there again I want to let you know for other candidates, especially women, who might have to experience this crudeness
I emailed the Ballwin,Mo. store and told the GM the awful experience I had with one of his delivery people. He called me and apologized and told me he would send me gift cards because he wanted my family to try your food chain, never had it. I have not received anything from him, not even another call or email, How Rude. I got ESP I will never try your food. So now, not only do you need to responsibility train your people or fire them. What a joke. I am a social media queen, so good luck with that.
I don’t have ESP, LOL. I just will never try your food
Today receive email for 4.00 Club , I always use drive thru, placed order and rep never mentioned dine in only , Got to drive thru and my 4.00 price was not honored , was very disappointed , so went to Sonic instead. May be a long time before I return as a customer . Location in San Angelo, Texas North Bryant location .
In need of a number for human resources for the northern Virginia area.
We stopped at McAllister in midland tx, girl taking our order was very rude rolled her eyes at us. Got our food was wrong. Had attitude cause I took it back. Bathroom was horrible place was nasty.we go McAllister twice week at home. The manager was there never said a word to us. He knew what was going on.
Dear Management,
I’m a concerned customer and friend of a co-worker. I live in Oklahoma near Ft. Smith, Ar. I have eaten at your restaurant a few times and found the quality of the food and service good. I don’t know if that store is a franchise. The treatment of the workers is very negative. Some are scheduled few hours and then called in after not being schefiled. Employees aren’t trained and just rediculed. If employees are new to the food industry they aren’t encouraged or shown how to improve. Some employees sell drugs out the back door of the store. They are given few breaks. I worked in the food industry and have never incountered these conditions.
Thank you.
Jennifer Maddox