McAlister’s Deli thrives despite trend

While layoffs and other vestiges of a struggling economy are being felt in the Shenandoah Valley, a new Waynesboro restaurant is thriving.

McAlister’s Deli opened in the Waynesboro Town Center in July, and has packed in customers since.

Sporting a menu of deli sandwiches, subs, wraps, salads, soups and stuffed potatoes, lunch with a drink and side can be had for under $10.

The stuffed potatoes include a vegetable chicken fajita, cheese and other types.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. McAlister’s also offers catering.

The deli is owned by Glenn Miller, of Richmond, who along with his brother Ian own another McAlister’s in Harrisonburg and 18 Arby’s restaurants in Illinois.

Miller said he was anxious to offer “a healthier’’ alternative to traditional fast food fare.

He heard about McAlister’s from a fellow Arby’s operator, and liked what he saw.

“He seemed very pleased with McAlister’s,’’ Miller said.

McAlister’s was founded in Mississippi by a dentist and his two sons and now operates in 20 states. The signature offering when it opened in 1989 was a large cup of sweet tea.

Miller said the languid economy hasn’t dampened the traffic at his restaurant.

“They like our product,’’ he said. “The restaurant is doing remarkably well.”

Miller said after opening the Harrisonburg McAlister’s, he became aware of the Waynesboro Town Center site.

He was taken by the location just off Interstate 64.

“I thought it was a great site. Target and the big box stores help,’’ Miller said.

Waynesboro City Councilwoman Nancy Dowdy already is a regular at McAlister’s.

She said the restaurant is succeeding because of both the food and service.

“And they give back to the community,’’ said Dowdy, who noted the restaurant donates tips to local charities.

Miller’s future plans include a McAlister’s in suburban Richmond.

Nationally, McAlister’s expects to expand into New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in the near future.

Miller isn’t fearful as a result of the economic doldrums: “I don’t see the economy going off the edge.”