McAlister’s Deli Announces 10-Unit Agreement Marking Brand’s Debut in Minnesota

Mankato, Minn. - Focus Brands® today announces the debut of McAlister’s Deli in Minnesota with a 10-unit franchise agreement, alongside a tri-brand franchise agreement that will bring Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and Jamba to Mankato.

Behind the signings are seasoned restaurateurs and husband-wife team, Steve and Dani Wegman. The duo owns multiple food concepts around the greater Mankato area including 507, Weggy’s, Krusty’s Donut Shop, The Wagon Wheel, and more.

“After visiting another restaurant development group’s McAlister’s Deli location in Grimes, IA, I knew we had an opportunity to bring this concept to Minnesota,” said Steve Wegman. “The menu features something for everyone while the genuine hospitality fits well with the Minnesota culture we’re accustomed to. This is a real gathering place for people to linger and enjoy food that’s simple, yet elevated, using the finest ingredients.”

Ready to introduce McAlister’s Deli in the state of Minnesota, the Wegmans are set to open their first location at 1860 Adams Street in Mankato in early 2024.

The tri-brand Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and Jamba location is expected to debut in Mankato at 1600 Warren Street, across from the Minnesota State University campus, in early 2024.

“We’ve seen success from our other concepts on or near the U of M Mankato Campus, and have confidence this tri-brand location will follow suit,” said Dani Wegman. “Not only will we be able to employ college students, but they’re also our primary customer. The key benefit of this tri-brand location is convenience. Having these brands together in one location makes them far more accessible than they are individually and leads to an expansive menu with something for everyone.”

Founded in 1989, McAlister’s Deli® is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its genuine hospitality, sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™.