McAlister’s Franchisee Awards Nearly $20,000 in Classroom Grants

Following the success of its first Together For Teachers campaign, TSG Restaurants is celebrating the meaningful impact the initiative has made in classrooms across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Created to recognize outstanding local educators while investing directly in the communities TSG Restaurants serves, the campaign invited teachers from communities surrounding its 79 McAlister’s Deli locations to share their stories and the difference they make in their classrooms every day. Local restaurant teams selected three Spotlight Teachers from each community, whose stories were featured on their local McAlister’s Deli Facebook pages as community members rallied behind them through social media engagement.

One teacher from each participating location received a $250 classroom grant, resulting in $19,750 invested directly into local classrooms to help educators purchase supplies and educational resources ahead of the new school year.

While the campaign generated exceptional engagement across social media, its greatest success can now be seen inside classrooms.

Teachers used their grants to launch student-run vocational programs, purchase flexible seating, create more welcoming learning environments, provide school supplies for every student, expand music education programs, and invest in instructional resources that will benefit students throughout the school year.

One recipient, Erika N., used the funds to help launch Leopard Brew, a student-run classroom coffee shop where students practice vocational and life skills including customer service, communication, money management, and following directions.

“Leopard Brew will provide my students with hands-on opportunities to practice important vocational and life skills… giving our students a meaningful way to build confidence and independence while serving our school community.”

Another recipient, Jennifer F., invested in podcasting equipment that will allow students to tell their stories, debate ideas, and strengthen communication and public-speaking skills.

“This opportunity will help them build confidence, strengthen communication and public-speaking skills, and learn how to formulate and express their thoughts effectively.”

For first-year teacher Paige T., the grant helped transform an empty classroom into a welcoming environment for students.

“Starting the year with a classroom that feels like home not only for myself but all of my students… has been a huge blessing.”

“At TSG Restaurants, serving our communities extends far beyond the four walls of our restaurants,” said Stephen Lee, President of TSG Restaurants. “Together For Teachers was created to celebrate educators and invest directly in the classrooms where future generations are shaped every day. Seeing how these teachers transformed a simple gift into opportunities that will benefit hundreds of students has been incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces our belief that supporting local communities is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out our purpose.”

The Together For Teachers campaign reflects TSG Restaurants’ ongoing commitment to community involvement and keeping people at the heart of its mission. From supporting educators and nonprofits to partnering with local organizations and schools, the company continues to invest in initiatives that create lasting, meaningful impact in the neighborhoods its restaurants proudly serve.