Mcalister's Deli

Food is outstanding and we order from here regularly. What I don't get is all the fees. We get charged over $7.00 in fees and taxes of which +$3.00 is a "convenience fee" plus ~$5 for delivery. Convenience? Convenience for who, exactly? We used to order from here weekly but its gotten a little less frequently now because they will randomly not take orders and now I'm noticing all the fees, what gives? So that's $8 for a -convenience and delivery fee- on 2 sandwiches and a piece of cake. They are 11 minutes from our house. So then I end up skimping on the tip and giving $3. I HATE doing that. Service people work hard. So why is the company taking all the profits on literally 2 sandwiches and a piece of pre-made cake? Please explain the fees to me so I can feel better about leaving a lower tip. Our bill was about $44 and that was with a $5 coupon!! Come on!

I would love to say this was amazing but unfortunately it wasn't. The location was basically deserted. 3/4 of the restaurant was blocked off with stools. There was no ambient music playing. And the employees who were working were talking very loudly in the back and using language that was not appropriate for the workplace. The food itself was fine. Just fine. It might as well be Panera. I haven't been to a McAlister's since covid, and I probably will not be back to another one. It is unfortunate to see such a great fast casual restaurant devolve into what is effectively a fancy Wendy's. For me, the last straw was the fork they gave. the cheapest plastic fork they could possibly buy. For a $16 dinner, it was a complete disappointment and just underscored how far McAlister's has fallen. I should have gone to the Mod Pizza next doorn it was hopping.