McAlister's Deli Opens on Lamar Avenue: National Chain Replaces Former Schlotzsky's Location

McAlister's Deli, the fast-casual sandwich and salad chain with more than 500 locations across the United States, celebrated its grand opening at 3598 Lamar Avenue in Paris, Texas, on May 14, 2025. The new location occupies the former Schlotzsky's space at Paris Towne Center and is operated by The Saxton Group, one of the largest franchise operators in the region.

The Paris McAlister's Deli offers dine-in, carryout, delivery, catering, and tableside service. The restaurant hours run daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, and the phone number is (903) 218-6026. The location features McAlister's full menu of signature sandwiches, spuds, salads, soups, and their famous sweet tea.

The opening replaced the former Schlotzsky's at the same address, which is now permanently closed. The transition reflects a pattern of national brand turnover in the Paris market, where established locations are upgraded or replaced by new operators as consumer demand evolves.

What the opening signals

The Saxton Group, which operates more than 40 McAlister's Deli locations across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas, selected Paris based on demographic research, traffic counts, and competitive analysis. Paris is the smallest market in the Saxton Group's portfolio, which means the data had to be compelling enough to support a location that does not benefit from the population density of a major metro area.

Restaurants are among the most sensitive commercial real estate uses. They require steady customer traffic, sufficient household income, and a labor pool to staff the operation. When a franchise operator commits to a location in a market of roughly 25,000 residents, it tells a story about the surrounding region's daytime population, its construction workforce, its healthcare sector, and its expanding manufacturing base.

Paris Towne Center continues to draw national brands

McAlister's Deli joins a robust tenant roster at Paris Towne Center, which sits at the intersection of SE Loop 286 and US Highway 82. The center is anchored by Aldi and includes Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less, T.J. Maxx, Five Below, Ulta Beauty, and Bath & Body Works. With 96% occupancy and over 2.2 million annual visits, Paris Towne Center is the most visited retail destination within a 50-mile radius, according to traffic analytics.

The center's consistent performance attracted institutional attention in June 2026, when Dallas-based Corsair Property Company acquired the 291,958-square-foot property from Culpepper Realty in a transaction arranged by JLL Capital Markets. The sale confirmed that well-leased grocery-anchored retail in a secondary Texas market can command professional investor interest.

What it means for commercial property investors

Each new national brand tenant in Paris strengthens the city's commercial real estate fundamentals. More dining and retail options attract customers who generate foot traffic and sales for surrounding businesses, supporting lease rate growth and property appreciation across the corridor.

For a versatile property like 1905 E Price St, the expanding restaurant and retail ecosystem is directly relevant. The property's commercial kitchen, 12 private rooms, and central location in a Multi-Family Dwelling District position it to serve the growing workforce that national brands are betting on. Whether as multi-family housing for service workers, a commissary kitchen for the expanding food scene, or hospitality lodging for traveling professionals, the property is designed to meet the demands of a growing commercial market.