McAlister's Deli coming to Brownwood

[kfierle]

From the online news:

McAlister’s Deli, famous for its sandwiches and sweet tea, is set open in mid-November at Brownwood Paddock Square.

McAlister’s Deli franchisees Bryce and Stacey Kelly of Newberry-based Abundant Endeavors Inc. officially signed their first lease for a Central Florida McAlister’s Deli location.

[LittleDog]

I guess this doesn't effect the new TooJays that is going in in Brownwood.

John

[CFrance]

I guess this doesn't effect the new TooJays that is going in in Brownwood.

John
So no non compete clause there?

[nkrifats]

Great

[Bonanza]

I guess this doesn't effect the new TooJays that is going in in Brownwood.

John

McAlister's, although they call themselves a deli, is completely different from TooJays.

TooJays is very much a Jewish deli, while McAlister's, as the name implies, is not.
You place your own order at the counter and they bring it to you.

McAlister's vs. TooJays is really not a comparison.
Both are good and both will do well business-wise.

[Papa Cuma]

Does this also imply that only corned beef, whiskey and potatoes will be served at McAlisters ?

[GaryW]

That is out of the norm,,, If Too-Jay's is going to Brownwood, then there should be a no-compete clause. I know I just read another post here where a store was not allowed in Brownwood due to No-Compete, or that was misinformation.

Anyway here is a menu from Mcalister's. Looks good.

Hot Sandwiches | Menu | McAlister's Deli (http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/menu/hot-sandwiches#the-new-yorker)

:spoken:

[Down Sized]

McAlister Deli is more competition for Panera Bread than Too-Jays. There was five of these Deli resturants where I came from. They are VERY good. Quit getting all worked up about the compete ideas and just enjoy it when they arrive in November.

[CFrance]

McAlister Deli is more competition for Panera Bread than Too-Jays. There was five of these Deli resturants where I came from. They are VERY good. Quit getting all worked up about the compete ideas and just enjoy it when they arrive in November.
I don't think anybody's worked up over the non-compete aspect. It was just interesting to note what constitutes compete vs non compete. At least to me. But Bonanza explained that the two delis are quite different.

[NottaVillager]

Never heard of them. What part of the country are they most well-known in?

[Bogie Shooter]

Never heard of them. What part of the country are they most well-known in?

Probably many places you never heard of.................
McAlister's Deli (http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/)

[rodie]

From the online news:

McAlister’s Deli, famous for its sandwiches and sweet tea, is set open in mid-November at Brownwood Paddock Square.

McAlister’s Deli franchisees Bryce and Stacey Kelly of Newberry-based Abundant Endeavors Inc. officially signed their first lease for a Central Florida McAlister’s Deli location.

Which online news and does it say where in brownwood?

[skip0358]

MCALISTER'S DELI LOGO
View Photos

PR NEWSWIRE

Central Florida's first McAlister's Deli will open in mid-November in The Villages.






Guess this will answer your questions..

Megan RibbensWeb Producer-
Orlando Business Journal
Email | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
McAlister’s Deli fans, rejoice! The popular restaurant concept famous for its sandwiches and sweet tea is set open its first Central Florida location this fall.

McAlister’s Deli franchisees Bryce and Stacey Kelly of Newberry, Fla.-based Abundant Endeavors Inc. told Orlando Business Journal they officially signed their first lease in the Brownwood Town Center in The Villages, and the first McAlister’s Deli is expected to open in mid-November.

This is the first of five eateries set for the Orlando market.


See Also

[TheVillageChicken]

MCALISTER'S DELI LOGO
View Photos

PR NEWSWIRE

Central Florida's first McAlister's Deli will open in mid-November in The Villages.

I guess they don't consider Ocala to be Central Florida. I have eaten at McAlisters off SR200 near Cracker Barrel in Ocala.

Had one back in my home town. I suggest you ask to sample the sweet tea before ordering one. Way too sweet for me. Their spuds are great...sandwiches good. I love their potato salad.

[tomwed]

del·i·ca·tes·sen

noun
a store selling cold cuts, cheeses, and a variety of salads, as well as a selection of unusual or foreign prepared foods.


del-i
noun
a restaurant concept famous for its sandwiches and sweet tea


"Those were the days"

[NYGUY]

I think this is a great (not same-ol, same-ol) addition to Brownwood. It will be nice to see Brownwood as it fills out!!

[Bonny]

The menu looks really good !!!

[getdul981]

So no non compete clause there?

It was my understanding that Subway had the no compete clause in their contract and that is why Jersey Mike's could not get into Brownwood. I don't think it was a Villages thing.

[scot_atc]

McAlister Deli is more competition for Panera Bread than Too-Jays. There was five of these Deli resturants where I came from. They are VERY good. Quit getting all worked up about the compete ideas and just enjoy it when they arrive in November.

But won't there be a shorter wait if there are more places to choose from?
McAlister's is a great place to eat. :icon_hungry:

[TheVillageChicken]

McAlisters is a great American success story. They started out in an old gas station in Oxford, MS......HOTTY TODDY (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hotty+Toddy)...... and now have over 300 restaurants.

[Skip]

Which online news and does it say where in brownwood?

I read it on The Gourmet Club's Facebook page recently. Very interesting. Their full website suggests a November opening on Kiessel St.

There are 320 McAlister's. Wow! I've been in the one in Ocala. This is great but Too Jays WILL suffer.

Skip

[Yorio]

Another way to look at this is that Too Jay's will further improve with perhaps reducing price on some items yet keep similar quality. During the snow bird season the place gets too crowded so more seats available all round. Will the new deli be like Carnegie Deli in NYC or am I asking too much?

[Bonny]

It was my understanding that Subway had the no compete clause in their contract and that is why Jersey Mike's could not get into Brownwood. I don't think it was a Villages thing.
Square 1 wanted to go on the square but couldn't because 5 Guys was there. Don't know if it's a non compete or a Villages decision.

[tommy steam]

Glad to see different places opening up. Choice is a good thing.

[asianthree]

No matter what come January there will be more seats for our food intake

[TomOB]

I thought the no compete thing was with Pinellas Plaza, not the squares.

[BarryRX]

Never heard of them. What part of the country are they most well-known in?

They started in Mississippi, but they are all over the south and Midwest now.

[Bonanza]

Never heard of them. What part of the country are they most well-known in?

There's a McAlister's in Ocala just west of Interstate 75.

It's in an outparcel in front of the shopping center just west of the I-75 exit.

[Bonanza]

Another way to look at this is that Too Jay's will further improve with perhaps reducing price on some items yet keep similar quality. During the snow bird season the place gets too crowded so more seats available all round. Will the new deli be like Carnegie Deli in NYC or am I asking too much?

Yes, alas . . . you are asking too much!

If you want a Carnegie Deli I fear you will have to go to New York or Vegas. While McAlister's is good, it is far cry from a Jewish deli.
However, I don't think you will be disappointed; it is simply different.

It will be interesting to see if their prices will remain the same as at the Ocala operation.
Logic tells me that they will be higher because a percentage of their receipts go to the developer.

[skip0358]

It was my understanding that Subway had the no compete clause in their contract and that is why Jersey Mike's could not get into Brownwood. I don't think it was a Villages thing.

If you read the original post on Jersey Mike's they wanted a SMALLER space then was being leased and were told no because they weren't leasing smaller spaces at this time

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, alas . . . you are asking too much!

If you want a Carnegie Deli I fear you will have to go to New York or Vegas. While McAlister's is good, it is far cry from a Jewish deli.
However, I don't think you will be disappointed; it is simply different.

It will be interesting to see if their prices will remain the same as at the Ocala operation.
Logic tells me that they will be higher because a percentage of their receipts go to the developer.

Maybe its that way in Ocala?

[Bogie Shooter]

Do you mean you are actually supposed to read the complete post?:evil6:

[Bonanza]

Maybe its that way in Ocala?

Yes, that could be true.

[EnglishJW]

That is out of the norm,,, If Too-Jay's is going to Brownwood, then there should be a no-compete clause. I know I just read another post here where a store was not allowed in Brownwood due to No-Compete, or that was misinformation.

Anyway here is a menu from Mcalister's. Looks good.

Hot Sandwiches | Menu | McAlister's Deli (http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/menu/hot-sandwiches#the-new-yorker)

:spoken:

Thanks for posting the link to the menu. There are certainly a number of items that we would enjoy there.

[EnglishJW]

Yes, alas . . . you are asking too much!

If you want a Carnegie Deli I fear you will have to go to New York or Vegas. While McAlister's is good, it is far cry from a Jewish deli.
However, I don't think you will be disappointed; it is simply different.

It will be interesting to see if their prices will remain the same as at the Ocala operation.
Logic tells me that they will be higher because a percentage of their receipts go to the developer.

Speaking of the Carnegie Deli and prices, those of you who have never had the pleasure of dining in one might enjoy taking a look at the menu. Yes, the sandwiches are piled high and taste great - and for $18 before taxes you could get yourself a lovely corned beef or hot pastrami! Carnegie Deli - New York City Menu (http://www.carnegiedeli.com/menu2a.html#2)

[VT2TV]

LOVE McAlister's!!!! Food is really good. The brownies and chocolate chip cookies, however, are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! :bowdown: :pepper2:

[mulligan]

I believe you would find that a non-compete clause would be one of the negotiated points in a commercial lease. It may or may not be there, depending on the priorities of the party doing the negotiation.

[Ruthtomnorma3]

Please explaine what this comment means.notice it at the beginning of the forum discussion.
Thank you

[GaryW]

The menu looks really good !!!

Yes I agree,,, Looks really good,,, Hope they look like the menu. Like watching fast food commercials,,, you go there and food looks like something different. Nothing like a big Corned Beef Sandwich.. The New Yorker looks to be the bomb. Hope it is not a dud. :spoken:

[CFrance]

Please explaine what this comment means.notice it at the beginning of the forum discussion.
Thank you
What comment are you referring to, Ruthomnorma? I'm sure someone can explain.

[CFrance]

Yes I agree,,, Looks really good,,, Hope they look like the menu. Like watching fast food commercials,,, you go there and food looks like something different. Nothing like a big Corned Beef Sandwich.. The New Yorker looks to be the bomb. Hope it is not a dud. :spoken:
That's so true! In the fast food ads, they have big, beefy sports figures holding a McDonalds in two hands. But if you look closer, only the tips of their fingers are holding the sandwich. Do they think we buy that??

[Patty55]

Speaking of the Carnegie Deli and prices, those of you who have never had the pleasure of dining in one might enjoy taking a look at the menu. Yes, the sandwiches are piled high and taste great - and for $18 before taxes you could get yourself a lovely corned beef or hot pastrami! Carnegie Deli - New York City Menu (http://www.carnegiedeli.com/menu2a.html#2)

Thanks for linking to that menu, guess who will cooking like a Bubbe this week-Kasha Varnishka, latkes, pepper and egg sandwiches? :thumbup: And to think I'm not even Jewish-LOL.

McAlister's menu looks interesting, but I don't see it competing with TooJays.

[CFrance]

Thanks for linking to that menu, guess who will cooking like a Bubbe this week-Kasha Varnishka, latkes, pepper and egg sandwiches? :thumbup: And to think I'm not even Jewish.
Sigh. And I don't know where you live.

[Madelaine Amee]

It looks like a great deli, but it's in competition with TooJays - from my perspective, I think a Panera's would have been a better addition to Brownwood - but then, I'm hooked on Panera's!

[sunnyatlast]

With over 300 restaurants in The Villages, where nobody has to go hungry, another restaurant not from NYC is rated and berated before it ever opens.

[buggyone]

Will McAlister's Deli have patio seating and will they allow dogs to accompany diners at the patio tables?

I was at Lake Sumter Landing yesterday and noticed as I walked by Johnny Rocket's that there was a sign posted on their patio wall that reminded customers that dogs were not allowed on tables or chairs. Obviously, they are okay with dogs on the patio as long as they are not seated on tables or chairs.

[ssmith]

Not to worry TooJays is not at all like McAlisters and they will not have the same appeal. They do not have waiters, you order at the counter....more like Panera set-up. Food does not have the same focus as Panera but still very good!!! less emphasis on healthy options and more emphasis on hearty options I would say. TooJays menu is much more extensive.

Love McAlisters and I for one am glad that it came instead of Panera....no cookie-cutter repeat to LSL. Note that I also love Panera too and love TooJays!!!

Also I mentioned that I wanted one on this forum in Brownwood (on a different thread some time ago) and now it has happened...coincidence or not?

[asianthree]

With over 300 restaurants in The Villages, and plenty of fat people who don't miss meals, another restaurant not from NYC is rated and berated before it ever opens.

So using the words fat people is called for

[sunnyatlast]

So using the words fat people is called for

I apologize, and it is changed.

[Skip]

With over 300 restaurants in The Villages, where nobody has to go hungry...

There's 300 restaurants in The Villages now?
Wow, I don't know that.
Must have dozed off for a while.

Skip

[justjim]

First, never been to a McAlisters so looking forward to a new restaurant in TV.

The restaurants @ Brownwood will get customers from Leesburg and other close by retirement communities. I think they should all do well if they have good food at a reasonable price and good service.

[mgcsooner]

We used to go the McAllisters in Southlake Tx once every month or two. Good place.

[Bonanza]

Thanks for linking to that menu, guess who will cooking like a Bubbe this week-Kasha Varnishka, latkes, pepper and egg sandwiches? :thumbup: And to think I'm not even Jewish-LOL.

McAlister's menu looks interesting, but I don't see it competing with TooJays.

Patty . . . Pepper & egg sandwiches are Italian!

No matter -- all of it is all good stuff.

[BarryRX]

Speaking of the Carnegie Deli and prices, those of you who have never had the pleasure of dining in one might enjoy taking a look at the menu. Yes, the sandwiches are piled high and taste great - and for $18 before taxes you could get yourself a lovely corned beef or hot pastrami! Carnegie Deli - New York City Menu (http://www.carnegiedeli.com/menu2a.html#2)

Back in the day, you could go to Katz's on Houston and get a hot pastrami on rye with a knish and a Dr. browns black cherry soda for under $10. And, while you were waiting at the counter the counterman would cut you a piece of pastrami to nosh on. I know I'm dating myself!

[MSGirl]

McAllister's Deli is out of Mississippi and was started by the Newcomb family (these folks also created Newks). McAllister's isn't really a deli but a sandwich shop. It is not a full service restaurant. You go to the counter to order your food.They are known for their sweet tea, honey mustard, stuffed potatoes, salads and sandwiches.

[travelguy]

something tells me that mcallister's does not have matzoh ball soup or knishes on their menu. and i do not recall that mississippi is the birthplace of the bagel.

[NYGUY]

something tells me that mcallister's does not have matzoh ball soup or knishes on their menu. and i do not recall that mississippi is the birthplace of the bagel.

So true, I didn't expect anyone to tell it like it is!!:smiley:

[graciegirl]

So true, I didn't expect anyone to tell it like it is!!:smiley:


I LOVE Toojay's. I adore everything. My favorite is Wednesday night with a half a brisket sandwich and a bowl of beef vegetable soup. YUM

Oldest daughter calls me "My Jewish mother who's Catholic.

[nitehawk]

Back in the day, you could go to Katz's on Houston and get a hot pastrami on rye with a knish and a Dr. browns black cherry soda for under $10. And, while you were waiting at the counter the counterman would cut you a piece of pastrami to nosh on. I know I'm dating myself!

It is still the same today-------- only pastrami on rye is $13 -------

[The Gerbs]

A non-compete clause has to be in the Lease. If it's not negotiated in the Lease language it doesn't exist.

[cquick]

I guess this doesn't effect the new TooJays that is going in in Brownwood.

John

I am sure there is enough clientele for both restaurants. Deli food is always popular.

[asianthree]

Looking forward to new places to eat

[cromlich]

McAllister's is a great restaurant. We have them in Indy and have never been disappointed. Their spuds are awesome and sandwiches are very good. Generous portions. You'll love the place. Wish they would put one in Sumter.

[outahere]

Had sandwiches from McAllister's last night, and we were not impressed. We both had the Orange Cranberry Club, and while it was pretty good, it was not worth the price. Store bought wheat bread, not very generous portions of meat and very small side dish portions as well. They had a line out the door by 5:00, but probably because it is new. Seriously doubt we'll go back anytime soon.

Just my two cents worth.

[Buster46]

Visited them twice so far - food is great, service is out of this world with a no tipping policy. Met owners and two fantastic people Give them a try - you will be VERY satisfied

[Chatbrat]

Looked @ the nutritional aspects of McAllisters,in a senior community you're getting a full days load os sodium in most of their sandwiches--forget the calories--the sodium will kill you

[bettymg1866]

i visited on Friday and had the broccoli chedder soup (Salty) and a Pastrami sandwich with an Iced tea..... $14.00 Not impressed - Toojays has great bread and bigger sandwiches for that price...

[pooh]

We went to the new store Friday evening. The place was busy and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Ordered a Memphian...delicious! Crusty wheat roll, plenty of deli meat and more than enough for me.

To all who voice concern over the nutritional value of foods served, remember it is a deli/sandwich shop.

The new shop is a welcome addition for those of us who live in TV and for people living in the surrounding communities.

[chuck90199]

We ate there Friday night around 8 PM. The line was out the door. I had the reuban which was excellent, and Linda90199 had one of the 2-for-1 deals... half a baked potato and a salad. She also remarked how good it was. Saturday afternoon we found ourselves in Brownwood again, and again went to McAlister's. The orange cranberry club was outstanding, and Mrs. 90199 had a taco salad which was so big she took half of it home. If they continue to provide good food at a reasonable price and excellent service they won't have a lack of customers in The Villages.

[Jgg7933]

I hear many say that McAlisters is "No Competition" to Too Jays. That is simply not true. Any time a new "FOOD" establishment moves in an area with other restaurants that sell similar type items (Sandwiches, Soups and Spuds) they cut the piece of the "Business Pie" up a little bit more and offer the public more options. This is GREAT for us here in TV but sometimes not so great for like businesses. McAlisters is direct competition for TooJays and IF their is a "Non Compete" clause that exists here it really should apply here. We do like both McAlisters and Too Jays and frequent Too Jays a lot. The option of No Tipping is attractive and prices seem to be a little better at McAlisters as well (an the food is good) so they will get some of our business that would normally go to Too Jays!

[Bogie Shooter]

Eight to ten months ago there were many posts asking; when are there going to be new restaurants in Brownwood, something new and different.
Now there are places in Brownwood and even a new country club and the posts bashing all are continuous. Even worring about competition among the establishmens, dosesn't make sense.
What do the complainers really want?

Even Tommy Bahama is getting bashed!

[mulligan]

Eight to ten months ago there were many posts asking; when are there going to be new restaurants in Brownwood, something new and different.
Now there are places in Brownwood and even a new country club and the posts bashing all are continuous. Even worring about competition among the establishmens, dosesn't make sense.
What do the complainers really want?

Free catered meals on demand.

[RickeyD]

Eight to ten months ago there were many posts asking; when are there going to be new restaurants in Brownwood, something new and different.

Now there are places in Brownwood and even a new country club and the posts bashing all are continuous. Even worring about competition among the establishmens, dosesn't make sense.

What do the complainers really want?


Unfettered access to more complaining. They just can't stop ! I don't get it...over and over and over.

[Bonny]

Let me see. I want a free drink while I'm waiting for my meal and then after I eat all my meal I want it comped because it wasn't as good as I wanted it.
It also wouldn't hurt if they gave me a coupon for my next visit.:pepper2: :1rotfl:

[Cisco Kid]

Eight to ten months ago there were many posts asking; when are there going to be new restaurants in Brownwood, something new and different.
Now there are places in Brownwood and even a new country club and the posts bashing all are continuous. Even worring about competition among the establishmens, dosesn't make sense.
What do the complainers really want?

Even Tommy Bahama is getting bashed!

It's all about the pickles.

[NYGUY]

Let me see. I want a free drink while I'm waiting for my meal and then after I eat all my meal I want it comped because it wasn't as good as I wanted it.
It also wouldn't hurt if they gave me a coupon for my next visit.:pepper2: :1rotfl:

And, free drinks for life, since, like all Villagers, I am an alcoholic :beer3:

[Bonny]

And, free drinks for life, since, like all Villagers, I am an alcoholic :beer3:
Good idea !! :agree:

[dewilson58]

It's all about the pickles.

If they have free pickles, I'll live there.

:pepper2:

[EnglishJW]

Hopefully this is back on track ... My wife and I recently spent about a month in TV which was our longest stay to date. As usual, we tried to eat at both places we have enjoyed in the past and places we hadn't tried. McAlister's fell into this latter category for us. First the best news, we both loved the drinks since they were both good and some (for us) were also unusual. Now the good news, my wife enjoyed her meals both times we had meals at or from McAlisters. Now the bad news, I had two poor meals. The first was the "Big Nasty." It was dry, chopped up, over cooked roast beef sandwich with a thick, pasty, gravy and dry mashed potatoes. I didn't enjoy it at all. Since my wife did enjoy her meal (a wrap of some kind) we decided to try again. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed being out and walking around Brownwood. We tried again. This time I opted for the Four Cheese Chili Pasta. In essence, this was a dish of thick, heavy mac & cheese topped off with a few small pieces of chicken and some beans in a sauce. I am still wondering why "chili" was even in the name. It was simply not good. My wife once again enjoyed her meal (a salad). I am curious about the experiences some of the rest of you have had at McAlister's.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackenglish/17098761285/in/set-72157645122195262

[NYGUY]

My experience is some of the items are good and others not so good. Pretty much like any other place in The Villages. What I don't like is everyone having to wait in line before anyone in your party can sit at a table. The line becomes too long!! One or two people could take care of ordering while others could go set at a table!!

[Jimjane]

We had lunch a while back. the place was very busy and the food was great. We would go back.

[dbussone]

We had lunch a while back. the place was very busy and the food was great. We would go back.

The Brownwood location caters my wife's DAR group. She thinks the food is very good.

[asianthree]

It was ok I didn't find it outstanding nor poor. just not quite up to the standards of delis that we usually eat at

[Chatbrat]

Happy heart attacks to all who think eating high sodium foods is great--come on you don't have to eat crap. Eat good food its cheaper in the long run--the same goes for cheap booze!!

[raynan]

Their salads are terrific. Maybe it depends on one's choices.

[dbussone]

Happy heart attacks to all who think eating high sodium foods is great--come on you don't have to eat crap. Eat good food its cheaper in the long run--the same goes for cheap booze!!


I don't eat booze!

[butterfly sue]

I had the Pecanberry Salad and the Turkey Rueben. Both were very good. The Rueben is the best that I have eaten here.

[Villager Joyce]

Happy heart attacks to all who think eating high sodium foods is great--come on you don't have to eat crap. Eat good food its cheaper in the long run--the same goes for cheap booze!!

I don't understand why someone finds it necessary to make this comment. Nothing constructive. Just mean. You have no right to judge.

[CFrance]

I don't eat booze!
You're not a boozetarian, DB? Who knew!:faint:

[golf2140]

Wife and I went for lunch on a Saturday afernoon, late. We were the only ones at the counter. The staff kept walking by, did not notice us, after five minutes, we left. The staff must have walked past 10 to 15 times. We will return sometime, but if this happens again. Bye

[dotti105]

We had a great meal there this weekend.

I am a Panera fan and was hoping to see a new Panera in Brownwood. After our meals and service at McAllister's,it will be our go to spot for a quick meal in Brownwood.

The food was good, service excellent, portions generous. What's not to like!!

[VT2TV]

My experience is some of the items are good and others not so good. Pretty much like any other place in The Villages. What I don't like is everyone having to wait in line before anyone in your party can sit at a table. The line becomes too long!! One or two people could take care of ordering while others could go set at a table!!



I talked to one of the managers for a long time one night when they weren't very busy. One of the reasons as I understand it is that numerous people did automatically send some of the party to the tables while a couple stood in line to order. This was during snow bird season, and they were having people paying for their meals and coming out to sit down, and the tables were full of people waiting for their friends/family to get through the line. People would be standing there looking for a table, and they would be full. But then as people finally got through the line, and they went to their tables while others wh had been there before them still didn't have a table. Hope I explained that right. And of course, I do not speak for the store. Hope that helps. BTW, I love McAlisters=had one from our home town. Their chocolate chip cookies are wonderful!!!!

[jblum315]

Another way to look at this is that Too Jay's will further improve with perhaps reducing price on some items yet keep similar quality. During the snow bird season the place gets too crowded so more seats available all round. Will the new deli be like Carnegie Deli in NYC or am I asking too much?

NO, it is not at all like Carnegie Deli. More like a small town deli. The food is very good, service is good, and I wish they sold their sweet tea by the gallon to take home!

[hulahips]

Does anyone know if they make healthy salads?

[MikeV]

NO, it is not at all like Carnegie Deli. More like a small town deli. The food is very good, service is good, and I wish they sold their sweet tea by the gallon to take home!

I just got a card at Mcallister's that if you buy 5 gallons of tea you get one free.

[Villager Joyce]

Does anyone know if they make healthy salads?

I am NOT being a smarty pants. Well, not to You anyway. I think that depends on what is considered healthy. If you have meat on it, someone will chime in. Heaven help you If you use a salt shaker.

[jnieman]

Hopefully this is back on track ... My wife and I recently spent about a month in TV which was our longest stay to date. As usual, we tried to eat at both places we have enjoyed in the past and places we hadn't tried. McAlister's fell into this latter category for us. First the best news, we both loved the drinks since they were both good and some (for us) were also unusual. Now the good news, my wife enjoyed her meals both times we had meals at or from McAlisters. Now the bad news, I had two poor meals. The first was the "Big Nasty." It was dry, chopped up, over cooked roast beef sandwich with a thick, pasty, gravy and dry mashed potatoes. I didn't enjoy it at all. Since my wife did enjoy her meal (a wrap of some kind) we decided to try again. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed being out and walking around Brownwood. We tried again. This time I opted for the Four Cheese Chili Pasta. In essence, this was a dish of thick, heavy mac & cheese topped off with a few small pieces of chicken and some beans in a sauce. I am still wondering why "chili" was even in the name. It was simply not good. My wife once again enjoyed her meal (a salad). I am curious about the experiences some of the rest of you have had at McAlister's.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackenglish/17098761285/in/set-72157645122195262

When I go there I get a deli sandwich or a lettuce salad because that's what they do best. I tried the taco salad with the chili and never again. Just like I won't order lobster at a diner you may not want to order a pasta dinner at a deli.

[Villager Joyce]

When I go there I get a deli sandwich or a lettuce salad because that's what they do best. I tried the taco salad with the chili and never again. Just like I won't order lobster at a diner you may not want to order a pasta dinner at a deli.

Good sound reasoning. Years ago we took my mother-in-law to Red Lobster, the restaurant of her choice. She ordered spaghetti and didn't like it. What? Out meal (fish) was fabulous so I'm not dinging RL.

[Bonny]

Happy heart attacks to all who think eating high sodium foods is great--come on you don't have to eat crap. Eat good food its cheaper in the long run--the same goes for cheap booze!!
Happy heart attack ?! Not a very nice thing to say or necessary. :ohdear:

[dbussone]

You're not a boozetarian, DB? Who knew!:faint:

Maybe we should start a thread about boozetarianism vs veganism.

[Bonny]

Maybe we should start a thread about boozetarianism vs veganism. :1rotfl::clap2: