McAlister's Deli: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

McAlister's Deli was founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, by Don Newcomb, a retired dentist who opened the first restaurant in a converted gas station near the University of Mississippi campus. The concept grew around Southern-style hospitality and a menu of deli sandwiches, soups, salads, baked potatoes, and sweet tea served in a counter-order, table-delivery format that helped define the fast casual category.

Today, McAlister's Deli is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and operates as one of the brands in the GoTo Foods portfolio, a franchisor that manages several national restaurant chains. The chain has grown to more than 500 locations across 29 states, and the large majority of restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees rather than by the corporate brand itself. That structure matters for job seekers, because hiring decisions and screening practices at a given restaurant are typically handled by the local franchise owner.

Restaurant roles at McAlister's Deli include cashiers, line and prep cooks, sandwich makers, servers who run food to tables, catering coordinators, shift leaders, and general managers. Many locations also offer catering services for offices and events, which can involve delivery driving roles at some restaurants. Corporate and franchise-support positions, such as marketing, operations, and training roles, are concentrated with the brand's Atlanta-based parent organization.

Company culture and employee programs: McAlister's Deli emphasizes what it calls genuine hospitality, and restaurant jobs are built around guest service in a team environment. Entry-level roles often require no prior experience, and shift leader and management paths are common for employees who stay and grow with a location. Because most restaurants are franchised, pay, benefits, scheduling, and training programs vary by owner and location, so candidates should confirm specifics with the hiring manager at the restaurant where they apply.

Yes. Employers in the restaurant industry, including McAlister's Deli and its franchisees, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, background screening through a consumer reporting agency is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets requirements for consent, disclosure, and adverse action procedures.

Background check practices at McAlister's Deli can vary by location because most restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees, and each owner sets its own hiring procedures within the law. Screening is common in the restaurant industry for management roles, cash-handling positions, and jobs that involve driving, while some owners may also screen hourly crew members. Candidates should ask the hiring manager during the interview process whether a background check is part of hiring at that location.

The McAlister's Deli hiring process is typically quick and straightforward, which is common in fast casual restaurants. Candidates usually apply online or in person, and qualified applicants are often invited to a brief in-person interview with a manager, sometimes within a few days. Some locations may extend an offer on the spot or after a single interview, while management candidates may complete additional interviews with the franchise owner or area supervisor. If a background check is required, it generally happens after a conditional offer and before the first scheduled shift.

When a location runs a background check, turnaround depends on the searches ordered and the courts involved. Many restaurant-industry background checks are completed within a few business days, though searches spanning multiple counties or slower court systems can take longer. Candidates who want to understand typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

The components of a background check are chosen by the employer, which for most McAlister's Deli restaurants means the local franchise owner. For restaurant roles, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review any disclosure and consent forms they receive to understand which searches apply to their role.

Lookback periods depend on the type of search and the laws of the state where the candidate lives or works. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies generally may not report most negative information older than seven years, although criminal convictions can often be reported further back where state law allows. Several states impose stricter limits on reporting. Because McAlister's Deli operates across 29 states, the lookback window that applies can differ from one restaurant to another.

Because most McAlister's Deli restaurants are franchised, decisions about candidates with felony records rest with individual owners and are typically made case by case. The restaurant industry as a whole is often considered accessible to candidates with records, particularly for kitchen and crew roles, though owners may weigh the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history. Candidates with records are encouraged to apply, answer questions honestly, and be ready to provide context if asked.

If a McAlister's Deli location runs background checks, candidates will typically be asked to sign a written consent and disclosure form before the check begins. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history. Restaurant roles may also carry minimum age requirements, and candidates for driving roles should expect to share a valid driver's license.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, an employer must get written consent before ordering a background check, and if it plans to take adverse action based on the report, it must first give the candidate a copy of the report and a summary of rights, with time to dispute inaccurate information. For a fuller overview, see this introduction to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and EEOC guidance.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what McAlister's Deli may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.