McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Pooler

A Truly Disappointing Visit – McAlister’s Deli Needs New Leadership

I don’t usually write reviews, but after the experience my mother and I had at McAlister’s Deli recently, I felt it was necessary.

We walked in hoping for a simple, enjoyable lunch together. What greeted us instead was a scene of neglect and indifference: not one, not two, but six dirty tables scattered around the dining area—all untouched the entire time we were there. It was clear no effort had been made to maintain any level of cleanliness.

Despite the mess, we decided to stay and order before we were starving. Maybe they were just busy, we thought. But as we looked around, we noticed there were only two other customers in the entire restaurant—a quiet couple sitting in the corner. So busy, they were not.

After placing our order, the woman at the counter handed my mother her receipt without saying a single word. No smile, no thank you, not even a “have a nice day.” My mom looked at me and said, “Wow… what a lack of customer service.” I had to agree.

We sat down, hoping the food might redeem the experience. Five minutes passed, and then ten. We watched, puzzled, as our food sat on the counter, ready, just staring back at us. Meanwhile, we noticed three other employees sitting in the manager’s office, completely disengaged from what was happening out front.

Fifteen minutes in, I stood at the counter while our food remained untouched. The employee was busy correcting another customer’s order (which they had messed up), and still, no one acknowledged me or the food sitting in plain view. They just spoke over it and I was getting worried I was going to be eating their spit over the conversation they had over my food just sitting on the counter.

Finally, after 20 minutes of waiting, I asked, “Can I please take my food, even though you’re supposed to bring it to the table?” A kitchen worker came out to help the overwhelmed counter staff, handed me our tray, and walked away. No silverware. No pickle. No dressing on the side, which I had specifically asked for & paid for. At that point, it was just insult added to injury.

We sat and ate quietly, surrounded by the same six dirty tables, which—by the way—still hadn’t been cleaned by the time we left. Even as the supposed managers walked by them repeatedly, they never lifted a finger to help or direct their staff.

It’s a shame. What could’ve been a peaceful lunch with my mother turned into a frustrating reminder of how poor management and disinterested staff can ruin an entire experience. Safe to say, we won’t be returning until there’s new leadership in place.

McAlister’s Deli, do better. Your guests deserve better. Truly...

I went to McAlister and ordered the pick 2. The king club is always my favorite and the spud max. I get halfway home and take a bite of my sandwich and notice there’s barely any meat between the bread. I called the store back because I’m thinking oh, they must’ve mistakenly given me the portion for the regular club. Nope! Come to find out the MANAGER made my sandwich and put a portion for what would come on one half of the sandwich on a 2nd half of the bread. When I asked him about, this he said oh I just thought I’ll give you a WHOLE ROLE but only put half a portion on each side. Now why would you bring down the quality of the sandwich? The presentation was also horrible half of the bread had meat and the other half was just the plain bread. Now as a MANAGER you would’ve thought he’d known better but apparently not. I’ve gotten this sandwich several times and never has it looked or tasted the way it did this evening. I couldn’t even eat it as a sandwich because it was not enough meat to much bread. I was hungry so just ended up taking the meat off the bread and eating it by itself. Now instead of the MANAGER apologizing or trying to make it right he kept explaining it was the correct amount of meat but just placed on a full portion of bread. How about next time instead of assuming ask if a customer wants you to make alterations to...

Food was so yummy! I got a Rueben and the steak loaded spud. But the pink haired girl working in the kitchen was very rude. I asked for light sauerkraut on my sandwich because I don't like a whole lot but I do enjoy some. Whenever u got my sandwich it only had (no exaggeration) three slivers on kraut on my sandwich. Whatever no big deal, I went to the counter and asked the sweet young lady taking orders for a little cup of it because there wasn't any at all she apologized and asked the kitchen for some. They ignored her at first and then the pink haired lady then said "the order who wanted light sauerkraut now wants extra?" And cut her eyes and started laughing. So I said to her there wasn't any on there but thanks for the input. The other lady working in the kitchen then threw the register girl a big cup and the girl once again apologized. The older woman working the expo line who seemed to be the manager on duty didn't acknowledge anything going on or the kitchens rude behavior in front of a customer. Somebody needs to teach them if they want to talk badly about guests to at least wait until they aren't standing right there (-; like I said the girl working the register was very very sweet and helpful while everybody else working were rude and the manager couldn't care less. Food was very very tasty just a horrible...