McAlister’s Deli Free Tea Day is more than just a satisfying sipper
Food promotions across the restaurant space entice guests to make a special visit. With the annual McAlister’s Deli Free Tea Day event, the celebration is about the guest, the beverage, and the people who brew that sweet hospitality every day of the year.
Within the fast casual restaurant space, the idea of hospitality, especially Southern hospitality, might not always be front of mind. While some restaurants give a festive welcome at the door, that guest appreciation moment must continue until the check is paid and they are heading out the door.
McAlister’s Deli always harkens back to its roots when it comes to the guest experience. Although that original location in Oxford, Mississippi might have moved slightly, the core values that the brand embodies have never wavered. Great, plentiful food served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere is what guests will receive at every location.
Since the restaurant brand embraces its Southern hospitality roots, its signature beverage, Sweet Tea, is at the center of the brand’s ethos. To be clear, that beverage is more than just a spoonful of sugar swirled in a well-crafted brew. It is a beverage that allows the guest to sip their own way, on every day, not just McAlister’s Deli Free Tea Day.
To be honest, McAlister’s Deli Free Tea Day is a huge event. From team members who go all out in stores to guests to line up to get that ice cold glass of tea, it is just as much a gathering as it is an opportunity to get a free beverage. All the excitement behind the scenes ensures that the guests feel appreciated when they walk through that door. Sure, few people turn down free food, but there is more to it and the team wants to make sure that people appreciate the brand’s signature beverage.
That iconic Sweet Tea is a conversation starter. Whether it is the person who never strays from the simple, classic option to the guest who has created their own signature flavor, it is a moment to sit a spell, sip, and enjoy.
From the perfectly clear ice filled to the brim of the cup to the nuanced flavor from the Orange Pekoe Black Tea leaves, the beverage’s foundation allows all those variations. As any cocktail lover appreciates, great ice is essential to the best flavor. When that ice melts, it allows that black tea to bloom its flavor in the most enjoyable way.
Adding to that foundation is a tremendous amount of personalization that keeps the Sweet Tea invigorating. From 1/2 tea to 1/2 lemonade, a flavor shot of Black Cherry, or maybe a combination of lemonade, strawberry, and tea, the combinations ensure that everyone can have it customized however they choose. Personally, my “personal” tea blend is ½ tea, ½ with a little black cherry for extra sweetness.
On McAlister’s Deli Free Tea Day take a moment to look beyond the promotion and enjoy the satisfying refreshment. That taste of Southern hospitality is around 365 days a year, not just one.