Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes announced today at the monthly luncheon of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce that McAlister’s Deli will open a new location in Brownwood in the first quarter of 2016.

The announcement comes on the heels of the grand opening of the United Supermarket at 300 E. Commerce on Wednesday.  The location of the new McAlister’s Deli will be adjacent to the United Supermarket, at the current location of Value Lodge, according to Haynes.

“Five years ago we started a process of trying to recruit retail business to Brownwood.   This comes on the heels of the new United opening.  Of course, United was the biggest target we were after, as far as opening a new store,” said Haynes.  “I hope you all have been there and have seen it.  Not only is it a fabulous store, it is a fabulous company and they have been just a joy to work with.”

City leadership of Haynes, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Emily Crawford, and Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ray Tipton began working to court a new grocery store and other new retail businesses to Brownwood.  Haynes explained that four years ago, the trio met a developer who now has acquired the Value Lodge to open the new deli.  The current structure of the Value Lodge will be demolished in order to make room for the new development of the McAlister’s Deli.

The nearest locations of McAlister’s Deli are currently two stores in Abilene and two in San Angelo with many locations across the state of Texas.  According to their website, there are 341 McAlister’s locations in 24 states.  The company was founded in 1989 and is known for their sandwiches, baked potatoes, soups, salads, desserts and sweet tea.