There are two traditional iced teas in the U.S.: iced tea and sweet tea. The latter, as most know, is popular in the South, where consumption rose during Prohibition. If you’re a fan of the sweet stuff, McAlister’s Deli says it has mastered the recipe.
Known for its sweet tea, sandwiches, spuds, and salads, McAlister’s Deli welcomed its first customers May 12 in a soft opening at 2220 N. Green River Road on Evansville’s East Side.
McAlister’s Deli began in 1989 when a dentist opened the original deli in a converted gas station in Oxford, Mississippi. Today, there are approximately 325 delis in 24 states.
The restaurant features premium deli sandwiches topped with premium ingredients like Black Angus roast beef, Butterball smoked turkey, caramelized onions, roasted corn and poblano pepper relish, and artisan breads like multigrain baguettes and ciabatta rolls.
Diners also can choose amongst eight entrée salads, including my favorite, the Southwest Cobb made with sliced, grilled chicken breast, fire-roasted corn and poblano pepper relish, guacamole, cheddar-jack cheese, tomatoes, and tortilla chips. I chose the Chipotle Ranch dressing, however, McAlister’s offers 11 flavorful dressings to choose from.
Evansville native and owner Kent Johnson is proud that this franchise is different from most other McAlister’s because it includes a convenient pick-up window.
“People are busy. From a customer’s standpoint, I wanted it because that’s who I am,” says Johnson. “Whenever I want something to eat for lunch, I want something healthy but many times, I’m in a hurry. That’s the way things are going. Many people would like the option to pick up lunch and take it back to work.”
Eating at McAlister’s is easy with multiple ways to order: online, by phone, or you can download McAlister’s mobile app to order on the go. Tri-Staters can expect McAlister’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony before the end of summer.
For more information about McAlister’s Deli, call 812-618-2050 or visit mcalistersdeli.com.
