DINING

McAlister's Deli another fast-casual restaurant option

Dave Osborn
dave.osborn@naplesnews.com; 239-263-4896

It’s usually a good sign when a line awaits as you enter a restaurant.
Well, not good in the sense that you must spend a few minutes before ordering but good because it means this place serves good food. People taking time out of their busy day for a reason, so it was time to investigate why.
McAlister’s Deli opened Memorial Day in North Naples, in a new plaza along Immokalee Road just east of Goodlette-Frank Road. It’s the first foray into Southwest Florida for the Georgia-based, fast-casual chain, with more expected.

McAlister's Deli offers inside and outdoor dining.


My first impression was that I was entering an alternative to the St. Louis, Missouri-based Panera Bread, the national chain that serves up a similar menu with sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.
But McAlister’s was different in a few ways. One was how an electronic billboard or sign behind cashiers flashes various offerings, which gives it a modern feel. 
Another was how a worker welcomed myself and my dining companion just seconds after joining the queue. My first thought was this is a “new restaurant thing,” but I’m hoping that continues for as long as McAlister’s is open in North Naples.
My colleague suggested I try to deli’s popular 13-layer McAlister’s Club ($7.69, with a wrap option the same price) with turkey, ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, Swiss, lettuce and tomato.

The McAlister's Club is one of the more popular options at the new North Naples deli.


Lite mayo and McAlister’s honey mustard added to its flavor, which didn’t bring the “wow” to my palate as I was hoping. Even so, everything seemed fresh.
The sandwich includes one side, with options of chips, potato salad, fruit cup, applesauce, coleslaw, pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes and gravy. I went with the steamed veggies that were broccoli and carrots. 
My dining companion opted for the “Choose 2” menu option that he called perfect for a quick and filling lunch. At $7.99 choose two of these items: a cup of soup, half of a starter such as nachos or chili, or half of a salad, spud or sandwich.
The bowl of chili and half a sandwich was fresh, hot and filling, he said. The chili with its think tomato base and medium spiciness hit the spot.
Just half of The New Yorker was plenty and tasty.

The New Yorker and cup of chili are one of the "choose two" options available.

The hot sandwich comes piled with 10 ounces of corned beef and pastrami, Swiss cheese and spicy brown mustard on toasted marble rye. A full sandwich is $9.99.
The sweet tea tastes freshly brewed with just the right amount of sugar. It’s clear to see why McAlister’s Deli leads promotional campaigns with it, he said.
Workers walk throughout the restaurant, checking on diners to continue the hospitality from our arrival that fits a restaurant motto on its menu: “American Regional Favorites Served With A Smile.” 
Order options back that up, with offerings including a Savannah chopped salad; California turkey reuben; the Memphian (citizens from Memphis); half of a New Orleans muffuletta; and my companion’s New Yorker sandwich.
There’s plenty more, from French dip to a horseradish roast beef and cheddar grilled sandwich to a BLT on toasted country white bread.
A kids menu includes what’s found on many such menus elsewhere, including mac & cheese, PB&J (peanut butter and jelly sandwich) and cheese pita pizza.
Six desserts offered: chocolate lovin’ spooncake, fresh-baked cookies, colossal carrot cake, New York cheesecake, brownies and dessert bars.

Dessert options include the New York cheesecake, here with wildberry puree.


McAlister’s Deli’s arrival to Southwest Florida brings another lunch or dinner option to the table, and business seems booming based on lunchtime lines.

3 1/2 forks out of 5

IF YOU GO
MCALISTER’S DELI
What: Deli-style fare, with stacked sandwiches, melts, wraps, soups and salads 
Where: 1514 Immokalee Road, Suite 117, Naples 
Prices: Sides, $2.79; hot sandwiches, $7.49-$14.29; grilled sandwiches, :$6.99-$7.99; classic sandwiches, $6.29-$8.49; club sandwiches, $6.29-$8.99; salads, $5.49-$7.99; giant spuds, $4.99-$7.89 
When: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday 
More information: mcalistersdeli.com or 239-596-3832