McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Plano

I recently had the pleasure of visiting McAlister's Deli, and I must say that my experience was significantly elevated by one particular employee—Nick. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I could tell that he was not just another staff member; Nick was a standout in terms of customer service, professionalism, and overall dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere. In this review, I will provide an in-depth look at the exceptional service I received from Nick and why he is a true asset to the McAlister's Deli team.

One of the first things I noticed when I walked into McAlister's Deli was how well-lit and inviting the restaurant was, which was made even better by Nick’s warm and enthusiastic greeting. As a regular customer, I’ve been to many places where employees merely go through the motions, offering standard, impersonal service. However, Nick made it clear from the start that he was genuinely interested in making sure my experience was memorable. Nick greeted me with a big smile and immediately made me feel like a valued customer. He went beyond the usual “hello” and engaged in a friendly conversation about what I was in the mood for that day. His tone was warm and his energy was infectious, making it clear that he wasn’t just performing a task—he was actually excited to assist. It’s these small yet meaningful gestures that set Nick apart from other employees.

When it comes to customer service, there’s a fine line between merely doing the job and doing it exceptionally well. Nick’s attention to detail truly impressed me throughout my visit. After I placed my order, he asked if I had any dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure that I would enjoy my meal to the fullest. I’ve often experienced situations where employees either neglect to ask or are not knowledgeable enough to offer helpful suggestions, but Nick was proactive in ensuring that my needs were met without me even having to ask. Moreover, as he prepared my order, Nick was incredibly thorough in making sure everything was correct. When I mentioned that I preferred a slightly different variation of a sandwich, Nick didn’t hesitate to make the adjustment. He even double-checked the specifics of my order to ensure accuracy. This level of care shows that Nick doesn’t just see his job as a series of tasks to check off; instead, he takes pride in providing a top-notch dining experience for each customer.

Another standout quality of Nick’s service was his in-depth knowledge of McAlister’s Deli menu. It’s clear that Nick has spent time learning about the food offerings and is genuinely passionate about helping customers make the best choices. As someone who was indecisive about what to order, I found Nick’s recommendations to be invaluable. He took the time to ask what type of flavors I enjoy and suggested a few items that would suit my preferences. Not only did Nick recommend a delicious sandwich, but he also suggested sides and beverages that perfectly complemented the meal. What impressed me most was how Nick didn’t just list the items on the menu; he described them with enthusiasm and detail, offering helpful insights into the preparation and flavor profiles. This level of menu expertise is something that can often be overlooked, but Nick’s ability to engage with customers on such a knowledgeable level made my decision-making process...

5/24 Update including a 4 star rating

Nicholas, Assistant Manager, is simply amazing. He brings out my curbside order every time and we sit and talk another 5-10 minutes about any and everything. Simply put, Sometimes the issues we escalate are not worth the stress and key strokes if we simply BREATH and take a step back. This manager gets it and I hope he continues to excel!!

This review is one that is warranted for an order that was simple yet sadly wrong on all accords. I placed a mobile order for 1 gallon of tea for curbside pickup at 5:51PM with a projected time of being ready at 6:01PM. I arrived at 6:10PM giving additional time being considerate of the location possibly being busy with evening patrons. To my surprise as I pulled into curbside parking, the restaurant was completely empty as I confirmed in the app that I had arrived and assumed my (1) gallon of tea would be ready and brought out...Yet that was not the case. While parking, (2) male members of store level management immediately looked out the window, letting me know they had seen me and received the alert of my arrival in the system, before one disappeared out of sight, while the other came outside, moved his vehicle, and sat in his vehicle appearing to take a break. The time is now 6:15PM and as I am sitting there, another curbside customer arrived, parked, went inside, and at 6:19PM exited the restaurant with his order. At this point, I double checked I had confirmed I had arrived, which I did, and decided at this point I would enter the store.

Once inside the empty restaurant, I immediately noticed both managers standing behind the register gossiping while my (1) gallon of tea was sitting on the counter, which I took it as a sign of "The customer can come in and pick it up"...I immediately told them that was my curbside order that I had been sitting outside over 10 minutes waiting for and stated I would have least understood had the restaurant, which again was literally empty, had been busy with orders... Both male managers instead of providing an explanation, simply dismissed my concerns and when I requested a receipt to submit feedback was told "We can't print you one"...At this point, I am livid and was encouraged to write an email, which clearly means "let us get ahead of this before the email is submitted by the customer, we will paint the picture that the customer was rude, etc...."

Simply put, these store level managers, who had on management shirts, need to be addressed as Leadership from Focus Brands company would never stand behind the actions of these two who seemed to care less about the customer even if it was a single gallon of sweet tea that was...

I am delighted to share my long-overdue review of McAllister's, a gem that shines brightly from Arkansas all the way to Texas. This location, in particular, has set a gold standard in hospitality and service that I have rarely encountered elsewhere.

From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with a warmth and friendliness that make you feel like family. The manager at this location is truly exceptional, embodying a personable and caring demeanor that trickles down to every member of the staff. Each employee I've had the pleasure of interacting with has been exceptional, consistently demonstrating kindness and professionalism.

What truly sets this McAllister's apart is the personal touch they add to their service. A memorable instance was the hand-written thank you note I received, which brought a tear to my eye and a huge smile to my face. It was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for choosing to dine with them that day, making me feel genuinely appreciated and valued as a customer.

The food at McAllister's is always fresh, hot, and beautifully presented, even with to-go orders. The quality and consistency are remarkable, and it's clear that great care is taken in every dish prepared.

This location has earned my loyalty, and I will continue to be a devoted customer as long as their doors are open. The combination of outstanding service, exceptional management, and delicious food makes McAllister's a standout choice for dining. Thank you for always making my...