McAlister's Deli opens in Fountain City off Broadway near I-640 in the former CiCi's Pizza location. Ruth White and Ali James
Just days before McAlister’s Deli opened its newest location, it was teeming with activity. Employees were sampling food and training and tradespeople were hustling to put the finishing touches to the Southern style fast-casual restaurant. After the final inspection, McAlister’s Deli opened on Jan. 15 in a space formerly occupied by CiCi's Pizza.
“We have been trying to get into Fountain City for over a decade,” said franchisee Chris Smith. In 2002 Smith, along with business partners Jeff and Don Shawl, founded Peak Restaurants to bring McAlister’s Deli to East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
“When we submitted plans in March 2016 we didn’t know we were going to run into floodplain issues at this location,” said Jeff Shawl. “It cost significantly more than the typical build out, but we loved the site and we wanted to make it a McAlister’s that we would be proud of.”
“Being in this area between Tazewell Pike and Broadway is a good thing – it gives us great visibility,” said Smith. “No other locations offered the parking that this location offers.”
An upcoming addition at the Fountain City restaurant will be a pickup window. “It will not be a drive-thru window,” said Shawl. “You won’t order through the window. Customers will be able to save time by calling ahead or placing an order on our app, then drive up to the window to pick it up.”
Since food is made at the time of order it takes an average of seven minutes to fulfill orders. Shawl said that thanks to technology they can safely accept payments over the phone or online, save their customers time and deliver the same quality food.
Diners can expect McAlister’s best-sellers, including: McAlister’s Famous Tea, broccoli cheddar soup, Spud Max, the McAlister’s Club and Savannah chopped salad.
“We are extremely proud of our kids night on Wednesdays,” said Smith, a father of five. “Two kids get to eat free for every adult meal purchased. It’s a special event, more than just kids eating free. We have an employee do crafts and other activities with the kids while the adults eat and unwind.” Kids night activities run 5-8 p.m. and a schedule is available at https://www.facebook.com/McAlistersFountainCity.
The group first opened in 2002 in Turkey Creek and subsequently opened locations on Deane Hill, on Schaad Road, Oak Ridge, Alcoa, Pigeon Forge and in the Tri-Cities area.
It is only the third stand-alone McAlister’s location for Peak Restaurants, the other two being Schaad Road and Oak Ridge. “The stand-alone tends to do a better dinner business,” said Shawl. “Schaad Road has a great neighborhood feel, like this restaurant.”
Throughout the first week, a percentage of sales at the Fountain City restaurant will be donated to a local charity, FISH Pantry. “We do that at most of our restaurant openings,” said Shawl. “It’s been a great thing for our team members to see us giving back to our community.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22. The first 25 customers in line on that day for the 10:30 a.m. opening will receive a free refillable tumbler and a lunch card.
McAlister’s Deli: Fountain City: 2885 Tazewell Pike, https://www.facebook.com/McAlistersFountainCity/ Open daily 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.