McAlister's Deli is a chain of fast casual restaurants founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi by retired dentist Dr. Don Newcomb. There are currently over 300 locations in 23 states, ranging from Virginia in the East to Florida in the South to New Mexico in West to Indiana in the Midwest. The menu includes deli sandwiches, "Texas-size" spuds, soups, salads, and desserts, as well as catering items such as sandwich trays and boxed lunches. The chain is also known for its McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea, which is available by the glass or by the gallon. The original restaurant was started in a renovated gas station, and many of the elements of that original look are present in many McAlister's Delis built today, such as a garage door, and nostalgic black-and-white tile. McAlister's Deli Corporation is a privately held company, formerly run by Frank G. Paci, CEO, now at Noah Einstein Group. Most McAlister's Deli restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, ranging from single-location, family-owned operations, to larger, multi-unit groups such as JME, Inc., Southern Deli and The Saxton Group. The chain's headquarters is located in Ridgeland, MS and Alpharetta, Georgia.