News

McAlister's Deli names president

December 7, 2016

Paul Macaluso has taken over as president of McAlister's Deli, according to a press release from the brand's parent company, Focus Brands. Before joining Focus in 2011, as VP of marketing for Focus Brand's Moe's Southwest Grill, Macaluso worked for a variety of successful concepts, including Taco Bell, Burger King, and Sonic Drive-In.

"By leveraging his extensive restaurant experience, keen consumer insights knowledge and strategic marketing and operating skills, Paul will continue to identify and execute against key growth drivers for McAlister's. I am confident he will provide leadership to our franchisees and drive continued brand performance in this industry-leading concept,” said Focus Brands President, North America, Paul Damico.

Most recently, he served as Focus's SVP of Brand Marketing Strategy, leading collective marketing capabilities for all six restaurant brands. He developed long-term, consumer-driven, strategic planning processes, created a marketing center of excellence for creative, social media and PR, and played an instrumental role in developing a digital road map across the enterprise, Damico said.

"I am honored to have this opportunity, and excited to lead the great McAlister’s team and brand in its next stage of growth and innovation," Macaluso said.

Macaluso replaced Carin Stutz, who stepped down in May of this year to serve as EVP and COO of Red Robin.