McAlister's Deli planned for south Fargo; $1.25 million in permits issued

FARGO - A local restaurateur is bringing a McAlister's Deli to Fargo.

The franchise rights were obtained by group of investors led by Steven Majkrzak, who also owns the Panchero's Mexican Grill in Fargo.

The restaurant is planned for 5600 28th Ave. S. Permits have been issued for a building, parking lot and fit-up that will cost about $1.25 million altogether, online records show.

Majkrzak said Thursday, July 30, that he is working with a developer and hopes construction can start in coming weeks, so the restaurant can open in April or May 2021.

"I was really drawn to the brand. I keep a really close eye on which franchises do really well. ... It was at or near the top of franchises in the nation," Majkrzak said.

He first came upon McAlister's Deli in Texas and was impressed by the diverse menu and hospitality.

"I saw the brand and I thought it was a great fit," Majkrzak said. " I think the North Dakota market is going to take to this concept really well. It's got the right kind of food. The right presentation. .... Everything about it should fit really well with the people around here."

Majkrzak said the ownership group has franchise rights for four stores.

"This will not be our last location. We're fully prepared to get into other North Dakota markets," and perhaps open a second McAlister's in Fargo, he said.

McAlister’s Deli was founded in 1989 as a fast casual restaurant chain that offers dine-in and take-out service. It’s known for its sandwiches, potatoes, soups, salads, desserts and its sweet tea.

The company has more than 400 restaurants in 27 states, according to its website.

McAlister’s is a subsidiary of Focus Brands, an Atlanta-based corporation and developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. Focus Brands, through its affiliate brands, franchises and operates more than 6,000 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and bakeries in the United States and District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and over 50 foreign countries under the brand names Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli, and Schlotzsky’s, as well as Seattle’s Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets.

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Focus Brands, in turn, is part of the portfolio of the Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm.

Roark affiliates have invested in 76 franchise/multi-unit brands, which collectively generate $41 billion in annual revenues from 39,000 locations in 50 states and 81 countries.

Its portfolio spans multiple industries including food and restaurants, specialty retail, health, wellness and beauty, retail healthcare, business services, and education.

Roark’s largest sector, food and restaurants, not only includes FOCUS Brands, but Inspire Brands (the owner of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco, and Sonic), CKE Restaurants (the owner of Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s), Miller’s Ale House, Culver’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Corner Bakery, Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, and previously Il Fornaio and Wingstop.