McAlister’s Deli and Kimberly J. Brown brew an eerily perfect Halloween inspired pairing, interview
As the countdown to Halloween quickens, restaurants transform their menus with spooky sips and seductive flavors. McAlister’s Deli wants all the great ghouls to sit down at the table and enjoy a taste of the season with a tempting food and beverage pairing. With some help from Kimberly J. Brown, everyone will be taking a trip to this Halloween inspired food celebration.
McAlister’s Deli has long celebrated its Southern hospitality roots. From the substantial portions to that refreshing glass of iced tea, the restaurant brand understands that welcoming service makes every bite more satisfying.
While the brand’s signature menu items are always a tasty choice, last year it shook up a Halloween inspired beverage offering. The Witch’s Brew beverage put everyone under its spell. Now, the popular caramel apple flavor iced lemonade is back and a new colorful dessert joins the menu. This food and beverage pair is definitely a treat.
To help kick-off the Halloween inspired menu offerings, McAlister’s Deli partnered with Kimberly J. Brown. Many people know the talented actress from the uber popular Halloweentown film series. Although some people would love to take a bus to that monster-full town, Brown wants everyone to enjoy some sweet and spooky treats at McAlister’s Deli instead.
Ahead of the restaurant brand’s announcement, Brown graciously spoke to me about the partnership and shared her thoughts on the new Halloween inspired food and beverage offerings.
When asked about her connection to the spooky season, Brown said, “I have loved Halloween since I was a kid. I was very focused on making my own costumes and planning the décor. Of course, the treats were always a highlight because spooky and festive treats for Halloween are always delicious.”
“I always looked forward to Halloween because it allows us to live in our imagination and celebrate with friends and family. It was very apropos that I was able to grow up alongside a character that loved the same things that I did. I had no idea what the Halloweentown movies would become.”
Since food is always part of a Halloween celebration, Brown shared that she enjoys a candy that some people find controversial. Brown said, “I’m team candy corn. During the spooky season, people seem to love it or hate it. It has always been one of my favorites.”
“Actually, I love most things themed along those lines, which is why I was so thrilled to partner with McAlister’s Deli. In addition to the return of the Witch’s Brew beverage, which went viral and sold out last year, the new Trick or Treat cookie, is perfect for the season. That sweet, buttery cookie with the surprise bright orange cream cheese filling is a great way to celebrate.”
While a McAlister’s Deli cookie is always a treat, the new seasonal cookie leans into the fun for the spooky season with its bold colors and surprise center. As Brown said, “It’s all part of the bewitching season. It is part of the thrill to have spooky drinks and treats. The orange and purple sprinkles in the cookie, its colorful center, and the bright green beverage add to the enjoyment.”
“Also, the flavors bring me back to the fall. The caramel apple syrup in the Witch’s Brew are the flavors that we seek for the fall. It is all about the comfort and celebration.”
While the flavor and fun is important, it is only one part of the whole McAlister’s Deli experience. Brown explained, “I love that I’m partnering with McAlister’s Deli. They are dedicated to serving great food with great hospitality. Everyone has a seat at the table, even warlocks. They mean it when they say that their table is your table.”
“I love the idea of families and friends celebrating Halloween there. Personally, I’m a little partial to the Savannah Chopped Salad with chicken. And, my husband would definitely want to order that Trick or Treat cookie as a way to end the meal.”
Whether people stop by McAlister’s during the witching hour or a random Friday, a table will be waiting and staff will welcome them with a smile. That concept is always part of the McAlister’s Deli experience every day.
Still, it is the spooky season and watching Halloweentown is part of people’s celebration traditions. When asked about how fans are still connected to the series after 25 years, Brown said, “fans are the reason why we are still talking about the movies all these years later. I love the relationship we’ve had over the years. We share in the love of the movies, the love of Halloween, and that feeling of celebration and camaraderie. In a way, it is feeding that inner child, which is so important especially these days. I am so appreciative of all the love that the fans have given me over the years.”
Why not place a McAlister’s Deli order, grab a Witch’s Brew, and some Trick or Treat cookies for a Halloweentown movie night. The laughter, togetherness, and sweetness are the perfect mix for the tastiest spooky, seasonal celebration.