A FRIENDLY FACE

(Ridgeland, MS)—-Whether it’s in the classroom or on the job, being “the new guy” is never an easy task. For Ken Green, it’s just another day at the office as he assumes the role of senior vice president of operations for McAlister’s Deli.

Green brings over two decades of restaurant industry experience to his new position at McAlister’s Deli. For the past four years, Green worked for Wilbraham, Massachusetts-based Friendly’s Restaurants, overseeing all daily operations for 340 company-owned and 210 franchised restaurants as senior vice president of operations. Prior to Friendly’s, Green spent two years as the regional vice president of operations for Cosi, Inc. and eight years in Las Vegas as the founder and president of Dine West, Inc. and vice president of food and beverage for the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. With his addition to the McAlister’s corporate family on September 17th, Green is prepared to hit the ground running handling the system operations of both company- and franchisee-owned locations.

“McAlister’s Deli is a brand that everyone knows and loves and one that I am thrilled to now call myself a part of,” said Green. “I’m looking forward to introducing more people to McAlister’s signature products and services as quickly as possible.”
Philip Friedman, chairman, president and CEO of McAlister’s Deli, is equally enthusiastic about Green’s addition to the corporate team, saying Green had the background they needed to move the brand forward.

“We are very excited and honored to have Ken join our family,” said Friedman. “McAlister’s is doing very well; adding Ken’s leadership, knowledge and experience will ensure the continued growth of the McAlister’s brand and concept.”

McAlister’s Deli is a quick/casual restaurant chain featuring efficient counter ordering, attentive table service and high-quality deli-style foods at a great price value. The menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads and desserts, as well as garden-fresh vegetarian selections, a children's menu, appetizers, and beverages. Items ranges from $3.99 to $6.49, with average per-person check of $7.20. The menu is designed around food products that do not have to be cooked on traditional gas-fired stoves or fryers. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister's also offers casual catering, with a selection of deli and sandwich trays, vegetable, cheese and fruit trays, breakfast trays, box lunches and desserts.

With the company's strong expansion strategy in place, sales for 2006 surpassed $255 million and sales in 2007 should surpass $325 million. Currently, McAlister’s Deli has over 230 restaurants operating in the United States. Building on the success of this last year McAlister’s plans to open 50 new restaurants in 2007. They also plan to enter three new states – Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico.