Glenn Miller has expansion on his mind.
Miller has just opened his second McAlister’s Deli franchise in Richmond and has his sights set on growing the brand across Central Virginia with possibly up to two locations a year over the next 15 years.
In October, Miller set up shop for his latest McAlister’s in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center on Gaskins Road, where he landed the space previously held by now bankrupt Blockbuster.
“We started the deal two years ago; it took a long time to get into that space,” said Miller.
Miller owns four other McAlister’s in Virginia including a 3,600 square-foot restaurant in Chesterfield which opened in August 2009, one in Waynesboro and one in Harrisonburg.
The two local delis have about 35 employees, but that number will increase soon with Miller’s plans. He just signed a deal for a Short Pump location which he plans to open in April 2011. Hull Street and Charlottesville locations are in the works for late next year.
Miller, who also owns 18 Arby’s restaurants in Illinois, jumped on the opportunity to grab McAlister’s Richmond market in 2007 after the previous owner, Harry Handshaw, lost the three local delis due to personal reasons.
Virginia is ripe for the McAlister’s concept, Miller believes.
“I liked the idea of a deli, and the Virginia market was empty,” he said.
A McAlister’s franchise costs between $330,000 to $1,400,000 to get up and running. Miller put a little over $600,000 into the new location. “We kept the same floor plans, but I invested a little more for the quality of the place, and put more into the bathrooms and things like that.”
The Chesterfield location brings in about $25,000 a week, and Miller foresees even more for the Gayton Crossing restaurant. “The nighttime business is doing extremely well. We’re expecting $35,000 a week,” Miller said.
The new local McAlister’s Deli averages about 800 customers on weekends, and Miller has plans to draw in a morning crowd with the addition of a breakfast menu. “The menu is currently going through renovation which should be out early next year.”
Miller attributes the success thus far to more consumers seeking out healthier food choices. “We are a viable alternative to competitors; there’s no fried food.” Miller said. “Virginians want to be healthier.”
Glenn Miller has expansion on his mind.
Miller has just opened his second McAlister’s Deli franchise in Richmond and has his sights set on growing the brand across Central Virginia with possibly up to two locations a year over the next 15 years.
In October, Miller set up shop for his latest McAlister’s in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center on Gaskins Road, where he landed the space previously held by now bankrupt Blockbuster.
“We started the deal two years ago; it took a long time to get into that space,” said Miller.
Miller owns four other McAlister’s in Virginia including a 3,600 square-foot restaurant in Chesterfield which opened in August 2009, one in Waynesboro and one in Harrisonburg.
The two local delis have about 35 employees, but that number will increase soon with Miller’s plans. He just signed a deal for a Short Pump location which he plans to open in April 2011. Hull Street and Charlottesville locations are in the works for late next year.
Miller, who also owns 18 Arby’s restaurants in Illinois, jumped on the opportunity to grab McAlister’s Richmond market in 2007 after the previous owner, Harry Handshaw, lost the three local delis due to personal reasons.
Virginia is ripe for the McAlister’s concept, Miller believes.
“I liked the idea of a deli, and the Virginia market was empty,” he said.
A McAlister’s franchise costs between $330,000 to $1,400,000 to get up and running. Miller put a little over $600,000 into the new location. “We kept the same floor plans, but I invested a little more for the quality of the place, and put more into the bathrooms and things like that.”
The Chesterfield location brings in about $25,000 a week, and Miller foresees even more for the Gayton Crossing restaurant. “The nighttime business is doing extremely well. We’re expecting $35,000 a week,” Miller said.
The new local McAlister’s Deli averages about 800 customers on weekends, and Miller has plans to draw in a morning crowd with the addition of a breakfast menu. “The menu is currently going through renovation which should be out early next year.”
Miller attributes the success thus far to more consumers seeking out healthier food choices. “We are a viable alternative to competitors; there’s no fried food.” Miller said. “Virginians want to be healthier.”
Good news, great deli. I wish Mr. Miller would take a look at the previous McAlister’s location at “The Shoppes at Bellgrade” in Midlo. It still has the old McAlister’s signage and fixtures and looks like it could be up and running again with minimal investment. Kroger is reinvesting in the center with a large scale renovation/expansion and OBX Seafood is doing well there.
On behalf of Jason’s Deli, Padow’s, Boychicks, Coopertinos, NY Deli, Coppolas, Jimmy John’s, Penn Station, Mikes, Firehouse, Stuffys, and the dozens of other fine deli establishments in Richmond, Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Love ya, mean it.
Any word on what shopping center the new Short Pump location will go in next April?
They just need an ABC license — having a draft beer with their chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo would be fantastic. Thanks for coming to Gayton Crossings!