Locations for fast casual chain McAlister’s Deli will likely open in New Jersey sometime next year. As part of a multi-year agreement, the company has signed a deal with franchisee A3 Investments for seven restaurants with initial openings to target Bergen (we’ve been told Paramus is on the list) and Passaic counties. This is the first wave of expansion into the Northeast for McAlister’s, which was founded in 1989 in Mississippi. There are currently over 320 locations in 24 states.

The concept is known for their sandwiches and spuds (baked potatoes) which include “premium ingredients” like Black Angus roast beef, Black Forest ham, caramelized onions, brie cheese, roasted corn & poblano pepper relish and artisan breads like baguette, ciabatta and focaccia. All items are made fresh to order and are brought to your table instead of picked up at the counter. McAlister’s also has a number of items on a “secret menu” (which has been popular at chains for quite sometime), which apparently isn’t too secret as they are listed in the menu section of their website.

Marketing materials also heavily promote their signature beverage, the McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™. The tea is brewed fresh in house everyday and made from a black tea blend using both pure cane sugar and filtered water. For more information about McAlister’s Deli and their food, visit their website.