Tuesday, September 15, 2015
The newest location of McAlister’s Deli®, a leading fast casual chain, has opened at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport. The restaurant chain in the airport is operated by Air Host/Verona, LLC, a subsidiary of Air Host, Inc., which has managed restaurants and news and gift shops in airports since 1970.
The opening of McAlister’s prior to security screening and on the concourse after security screening marks the culmination of the airport commission’s renovations to the 26-year-old building which have been progressing under the leadership of two Executive Directors — Jacqueline Shuck and Tim Bradshaw — over the past three years. The renovations began with new paint schemes and finishings, as well as completely renovated and enlarged restrooms during the first phase. The second phase has included a complete renovation of the news and gift shop and the arrival of McAlister’s in refurbished spaces.
“We are thrilled to have McAlister’s Deli at the airport and are excited to offer travelers some of their favorite menu items that they’ve come to know and love while visiting McAlister’s restaurants across the country,” said Tim Bradshaw, AAE, Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.
“We are honored to be a part of the evolution of Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport and are confident travelers will love our variety of American Regional Favorites, including sandwiches, salads, soups, spuds and, of course, McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™,” said David Shelton, President and CEO of Air Host, Inc. “We look forward to serving the hundreds of thousands of people who pass through Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport each year.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony by the Roanoke Regional Chamber kicked off the grand opening at 10 a.m. this morning with samples of sandwiches and other menu items offered at the new locations.
The McAlister’s Deli restaurants at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport will offer a selection of McAlister’s popular menu items and serve guests seven days a week. For more information, please call the restaurant at 540-563-0160.
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the primary air carrier airport for southwest Virginia. ROA moves over 600,000 passengers per year via four airlines with nonstop service to eight nonstop destinations.
Technomic® has recognized McAlister’s twice in its Consumers’ Choice Awards for Chain Restaurants — in 2015 as top fast casual chain for pleasant, friendly service and in 2014 as the top kid-friendly fast casual chain. Franchise Business Review named McAlister’s one of its “Best Franchise Opportunities for 2015” in its Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, as well as a “Top Franchise” in 2014 based on franchisee satisfaction. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News named McAlister’s the No.12 limited-service chain in its Consumer Picks Survey. FastCasual.com also recognized the brand on its “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list of 2015. In 2014, QSR Magazine recognized the brand as one of the “Best Franchise Deals” and named McAlister’s to its QSR 50 list, ranking 13th for U.S. average sales per unit in 2013.
About McAlister’s
Founded in 1989, McAlister’s Deli® is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister’s also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister’s brand has 337 restaurants in 24 states. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga. For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com.
About FOCUS Brands Inc.
Atlanta-based FOCUS Brands Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 4,000 ice cream shoppes, bakeries, restaurants and cafes in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 60 foreign countries under the brand names Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky’s®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s® and McAlister’s Deli®, as well as Seattle’s Best Coffee® on certain military bases and in certain international markets. Please visit www.focusbrands.com to learn more.
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