McAlister's Deli coming to Cape

Business Today

Don and Cheri Harris have announced plans to open a McAlister's Deli in the Lorimont Place development at 244 S. Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau. Tom Kelsey, commercial broker with Lorimont Place Ltd., who handled the transaction, said the new sit-down deli restaurant would occupy more than 4,000 square feet on the development's north end and would be adjacent to Westfield Shopping Mall.

There are plans to completely renovate interior space in the development to McAlister's specifications, said Kelsey. The new food operation will include an outside dining area.

McAlister's Deli is a nationwide franchise restaurant chain started in 1989 in Oxford, Miss. In 1995 INC Magazine recognized McAlister's Corp. as one of America's fastest growing privately owned companies.

Don Harris, who has extensive food service experience, said the restaurant will focus on a healthy menu, a non-fast food atmosphere and affordable family pricing. McAlister's delis feature 100 menu items including sandwiches, spuds, salads, soups and sweets. They are also well known for their sweet tea. All items at the Cape deli will be offered for carryout, and catering will also be available.

This will be the fourth McAlister's Deli in Missouri. Others are in Ballwin, St. Charles and Springfield. The Harrises also have plans to open delis in Carbondale, Paducah and South County St. Louis.

Kelsey said the Cape opening will be later this summer, and this latest lease brings the Lorimont Place development to 100 percent occupancy.