Foodservice

Paci to Join McAlister's Deli

Departing Pantry on Sept. 26 to lead quick-casual restaurant chain
JACKSON, Miss. -- Frank G. Pacithe chief financial officer of The Pantry Inc.has been named president and chief executive officer of McAlister's Deli effective Sept. 27, 2010. The Cary, N.C.-based convenience chain announced Paci's resignation last week.

McAlister's Deli is a quick-casual deli concept with more than 295 restaurants in more than 20 states. Paci replaces Phil Friedman.

"We are delighted to welcome Frank as the new leader of McAlister's Deli. He brings with him a broad range of experience in strategic planning, operations, franchise development and finance," [image-nocss] said Steve Romaniello, member of the board of directors of McAlister's. "We believe this combination of skills will enable Frank to bring a unique perspective to the leadership of McAlister's. We could not have hoped to find a better person than Frank to lead McAlister's Deli into the future."

Paci joins McAlister's from The Pantry, where he was executive vice president, CFO and corporate secretary. Paci has more than 25 years of experience working for foodservice and retail branded companies, including holding senior roles at Blockbuster, Burger King and Pizza Hut.

"I am excited about joining McAlister's and the opportunity to lead this business," Paci said. "McAlister's is a great brand, and I look forward to working with the management team and the franchise community to help the company reach new heights."

Jackson, Miss.-based McAlister's Deli is a quick-casual restaurant chain known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea. In addition to dine-in and takeout service, McAlister's also offers casual catering, with a selection of deli and sandwich trays, vegetable, cheese and fruit trays, breakfast trays, box lunches and desserts.

At The Pantry, Paci was replaced by Mark R. Bierley. "We sincerely appreciate Frank's financial leadership during his tenure with The Pantry and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. Frank has played an important role in The Pantry's success, and we are pleased that he will remain a consultant through the end of the year to help effect a smooth transition," said CEO Terrance Marks.

Headquartered in Cary, N.C., The Pantry (as of July 29, 2010) operates 1,641 stores in 11 states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner. The Pantry's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as fuel and other ancillary services.

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