Paul Macaluso Promoted to Brand President of McAlister’s Deli

Atlanta - December 06, 2016

FOCUS Brands® has promoted Paul Macaluso to President of McAlister’s Deli®, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain best known for its Big & Bold Sandwiches, Famous Sweet Tea and world class hospitality which was recently ranked as one of consumers’ favorite chains by Restaurant Business.

“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.

Paul’s background includes more than 20 years of operations, franchising and marketing experience with some of the most prominent brands in the foodservice industry, including Taco Bell, Burger King, and Sonic Drive-In. Since joining FOCUS Brands in 2011 as Vice President of Marketing for Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Paul has successfully grown into several significant roles within the organization, effectively developing and executing new branding, advancing consumer insights deployment, leading high functioning teams and identifying notable sales driving innovations that have helped the brands continue to deliver superior results.

Most recently, as SVP of Brand Marketing Strategy, Paul led the collective marketing capabilities for all six brands that are a part of FOCUS Brands; developing long term, consumer-driven, strategic planning processes, creating a marketing center of excellence for creative, social media and PR and playing an instrumental role in developing a digital roadmap across the enterprise.

“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,” said Paul Macaluso, President of McAlister’s Deli.