ATLANTA – McAlister’s Deli recently entered a development agreement with Best Choice Restaurants, an affiliate of Sun Holdings Inc., to establish 51 franchises in four states over the next seven years. It is one of the largest number of franchises sold in a single transaction in the history of McAlister’s deli, the fast-casual chain said.

As part of the agreement, Best Choice Restaurants will spearhead growth of McAlister’s Delis in Florida, Louisiana and Texas through the development of 47 restaurants over the next seven years. Additionally, the company consolidated several franchises to get to 51 locations throughout the four states: 36 in Texas, eight in Florida, four in New Mexico and three in Louisiana.

Sun Holdings, a franchise organization founded by Guillermo Perales, operates Burger King, Arby’s, Golden Corral, CiCi’s, Krispy Kreme, T-Mobile, Taco Bueno, McAlister’s Deli and GNC locations across the US. The company has developed more than 200 locations and 200 remodels during the past three years.

“This transaction accelerates our nationwide growth plans. Perales is the owner and operator of several iconic brands, and his investment in McAlister’s Deli showcases the strength of our business model and franchise opportunity,” said Joe Guith, president of McAlister’s Deli. “We are thrilled to welcome Guillermo and his team to the McAlister’s Deli family and know that his business acumen and knowledge of the foodservice industry will be invaluable to our brand.”

McAlister’s currently operates more than 450 restaurants in 27 states and is part of the Focus Brands family which includes Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery.