McAlister's Deli aiming for mid-May opening in Fargo

FARGO - A mid-May opening is being planned for McAlister’s Deli in southwest Fargo.

Local restaurateur Steven Majkrzak says construction on the restaurant at 5600 28th Ave. S. is nearly done, it’s getting people hired and trained that will determine when they start serving.

“Right now, we’re starting to get aggressive with our hiring push. And if we continue to get our hires, we’ll be open mid-May,” Majkrzak said Tuesday, April 20.

“We’re getting really close over here. The building looks nice. The interior is nearing completion and, man, we’re excited,” said.

But hiring is difficult in the Fargo-Moorhead market, he said.

“The job market in Fargo is incredibly competitive right now. I’m sure everybody sees, as they drive around town, all the ‘Now hiring’ signs. So, it is difficult to hire, but we still feel we’re a premium product and a premium facility and we’re able to attract people,” Majkrzak said “We’re paying extremely well, we’re offering some different benefits and some different perks for all of our different types of employees. We’re just trying to remain competitive in the market and offer what our competitors are not.”

Majkrzak said he wants a trained staff to have a successful opening.

“Being that this is a new concept, we want to make sure we’re staffed properly, and that we’re ready to open to the public the correct way and not short staffed,” he said. “It’s more important to me to get a full opening staff so that we can do the brand introduction … the right way.”

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The franchise rights for McAlister’s were obtained by group of investors led by Majkrzak, who also owns Panchero's Mexican Grill in Fargo.
In a July 2020 interview, Majkrzak said the McAlister’s brand is at or near the top of franchises in the nation," he said.

He first came upon McAlister's Deli in Texas and was impressed by the diverse menu and hospitality.

"I saw the brand and I thought it was a great fit," Majkrzak said. "I think the North Dakota market is going to take to this concept really well. It's got the right kind of food. The right presentation. .... Everything about it should fit really well with the people around here."

Majkrzak said the ownership group has franchise rights for four stores.

"This will not be our last location. We're fully prepared to get into other North Dakota markets," and perhaps open a second McAlister's in Fargo, he said.

McAlister’s Deli was founded in 1989 as a fast casual restaurant chain that offers dine-in and take-out service. It’s known for its sandwiches, potatoes, soups, salads, desserts and its sweet tea.

The company has more than 400 restaurants in 28 states, according to its website.