(Ridgeland, MS)---It’s hard to improve upon perfection. The folks at McAlister’s Deli, however, accomplish that feat with ease year after year.

“This past year was a year of great introduction for McAlister’s,” said Patrick K. Walls, senior vice president and chief franchise officer. “In addition to many firsts, there were many changes and upgrades that we know will propel McAlister’s into 2008 and beyond.”

The firsts and changes Walls referred to extend systemwide. Sales increased from $255 million in 2006 to a healthy $307 million and two McAlister’s Deli restaurants exceeded $3 million in sales – a first in the company’s history – in 2007. McAlister’s Deli also opened 34 new restaurants in 2007 and signed a total of 53 new development deals for locations to be opened over the next five years. At the helm of the company’s expansion in Colorado, Texas, Utah and Virginia are four veteran franchise groups, whose prior experience operating numerous Arby’s and Whataburger locations will bolster McAlister’s already sterling reputation for excellence.

The menu offerings at McAlister’s have long been a favorite with its customers and 2007 brought about even more reasons to stop in for a bite. In addition to its extensive selection of sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads and desserts, McAlister’s unveiled a new dinner menu featuring entrées including salmon, meatloaf and chicken cordon bleu and sides including mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and mixed vegetables. The dinner items weren’t McAlister’s only addition to the menu, as 2007 also marked the debut of “The Deuce,” a sandwich created by New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister, which was offered in approximately 40 locations in Mississippi and Louisiana and is currently being considered as a permanent menu addition at all McAlister’s Deli locations. McAllister, a faithful fan of McAlister’s Deli since his college football days at Ole Miss, inked a three-year personal service agreement with the chain to appear in McAlister’s Deli commercials, attend regional grand openings and have the opportunity to become a McAlister’s franchisee.

“Deuce is a savvy businessman, an amazing role model and a great all-around person. You couldn’t ask for a better person to represent your company,” said Walls. “These days, it seems like whenever you pick up a newspaper, there’s another professional athlete gone bad emblazoned across the front page. With Deuce, we know that’s a scenario we will never have to worry about and we are looking forward to the possibilities the next three years will bring.”

Also new in 2007 was the roll-out of McAlister’s design prototype, including updated menu boards, color scheme and fixtures. All future McAlister’s restaurants will boast this new design and all existing locations will be updated over the next seven to 10 years; since its inception, five restaurants have already been upgraded.

As for 2008, McAlister’s Deli plans to ride the wave of success 2007 has afforded. Plans call for the opening of 52 new restaurants and the brand’s entry into four new states – Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming – in addition to continuous growth in the Southeast and Midwest. Systemwide sales are expected to surpass $375 million and McAlister’s will continue to grow their menu offerings to accommodate the tastes of its ever-growing client base without compromising its signature service and charm.

“Just as 2007 was a year of introduction, we expect 2008 to be a year of implementation at McAlister’s,” said Walls. “Despite our success, we will continue to improve our services to ensure each customer that enters any McAlister’s Deli location will leave with a smile on their face and a pleasant taste in their mouth, no pun intended.”