New McAlister’s Deli set to open in Crystal Lake

McAlister’s Deli will host a grand opening celebration Monday, Jan. 31, for its newest location at 5500 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, as the business completes its build-out at a former retail store.

“We’ve been really excited,” Economic Development Manager Heather Maieritsch said. “McAlister’s has been for the past year working on their build-outs, and they are gearing up for a ribbon cutting and a soft opening at 11:15 a.m. this Friday.”

The soft opening is for employees’ families, friends, city officials, chambers of commerce, teachers and first responders, Maieritsch said.

“We’ve been really excited, as the city of Crystal Lake, when McAlister’s announced coming to the city,” Maieritsch said.

This will be the restaurant’s 10th location in the Chicago market, it said in a news release. The restaurant has about 400 locations in 28 states.

When it opens at 10:30 a.m. Monday, the first 100 customers will win free tea for a year, according to the release. The tea is orange pekoe black that is Rainforest Alliance Certified, sweetened and poured over ice, according to its website.

The restaurant’s normal hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

McAlister’s is known for its sandwiches, salads and stuffed potatoes; it also provides catering services, including trays and box lunches.

The location, in a former Five Below Store, also features Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, which opened last year in March.

There is remaining space, 2,600 square feet, available for retail, Maieritsch said.

“Any kind of small business retailer would be a great fit,” Maieritsch said. “We’ve had some interest, but no one has finalized a lease at this point.”