McAlister’s Deli, an Atlanta-based chain with more than 400 locations nationwide, makes its East Valley debut at 10:30 a.m. today on the northeast corner of Rural and University in Tempe.
It takes over the space next to Cafe Rio Mexican Grill.
McAlister’s, often compared to Paradise Bakery, offers sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, and desserts, but is perhaps best known for its signature sweet tea.
Despite its national footprint, the fast-casual chain has struggled to establish itself in Arizona.
McAlister’s opened its first Valley location in north Phoenix in 2012 but closed it earlier this year. A Peoria location opened in 2014 in the West Valley.
In 2015, the chain announced franchise agreements to open five more Valley locations by 2019, identifying Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert as possible sites.
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