Meet McAlister’s Deli: Catering Southern Hospitality with Modern Flair

When you step into any of the 400 McAlister’s Delis around the country, it’s hard to believe that it all started with just one. In 1989, in the college town of Oxford, Mississippi, the first McAlister’s opened in an old service station that had been used for a movie set. Styled as a 1950’s diner, it was the perfect spot for McAlister’s cozy menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, “spuds” and sweet tea. Today, known for their genuine Southern hospitality, great food, large portions and welcoming vibe, McAlister’s Delis has locations in 28 states throughout the South and the Midwest and is quickly becoming one of America’s most beloved restaurants. It was ranked one of the fastest growing franchises in Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” and was selected as one of consumers’ top five favorite chains in Restaurant Business magazine.  

Breakfast and Lunch for Groups Big and Small

McAlister’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner making it a convenient and versatile option for any size group no matter what time of day. For a large breakfast meeting, try the hugely popular Croissant Sandwich Tray which comes piled high with flaky sandwiches that are stuffed with fillings like egg, cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, sausage, and hickory-smoked ham. For smaller groups, the Breakfast Box is the perfect individual meal, complete with a sandwich, fruit cup and yogurt.

Similarly, the McAlister’s Traditional Sandwich Box lunch, packed with your choice of sandwich, pickle and a cookie will do the trick for a small lunch meeting. But, if you’re feeding a crowd, go with the Signature Sandwich Tray. It includes a full assortment including the McAlister’s Club (with smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, applewood-smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, honey mustard and mayo) and the Harvest Chicken Salad (topped with pecans and stuffed into a croissant). McAlister’s Deli catering trays serve either 8 or 12, so remember to order multiple if feeding a large group.

Food that Gets People Mingling

If you’re hosting a large afternoon meeting or training session and are looking for ways to break the ice between the attendees, the make-your-own Nacho Bar is a festive way to get people mingling. It comes with tortilla chips, your choice of meat or veggie chili, cheddar-Jack cheese, Ro-Tel (canned tomatoes and green chilis) cheese dip, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and sour cream. For more of a party atmosphere, order a couple different appetizers like the Nachos and the Pinwheel Wraps.

Another way to break the ice and get the group chatting is with the hugely popular “spud bars”, customizable baked potatoes that are so robust they work as a full hot entree. The “Spud Max Bar”comes packed with toppings like Black Forest ham, smoked turkey, applewood-smoked bacon, cheese, black olives, green onions, sour cream, and butter. You can choose between either regular or large-sized potatoes, one per person.

Delicious Add-ons

If you need to bulk up the meal and add some color, the fresh fruit tray is the perfect compliment no matter what time of day. Plus, diversifying the order will ensure that everyone can find something they like, even those with dietary restrictions.

To end on a sweet note, try one of their cookie, brownie or bite-sized dessert trays – like the adorable mini cookies. And for goodness sakes, don’t forget the sweet tea.