News

McAlister's Deli names new president/CEO

September 8, 2010

After announcing the pending departure of former CEO Phil Friedman in July, McAlister's Deli has ended its search for a new president. The company has named Frank G. Paci as its new president and CEO, effective September 27.

Friedman spent 11 years with McAlister’s Deli and led the chain’s growth to more than 290 locations and $352 million in systemwide sales as of the end of 2009.

Paci joins McAlister's from The Pantry Inc., a publicly traded convenience store chain where he was executive vice president, chief financial officer and corporate secretary.

Paci has more than 25 years of experience working for foodservice and retail branded companies, including holding senior roles at Blockbuster, Burger King and Pizza Hut. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from Yale University and holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh's Katz School of Business.

Without getting specific, Friedman said in July he was leaving his post for a variety of reasons and had plans to pursue other endeavors.