In addition to Eddie V's, Lee Roy Selmon's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, the Boy Scout Boulevard dining hub welcomed "fast casual restaurant" McAlister's Deli. While many of the restaurants in the area cater to more formal dining, McAlister's hopes to offer a laid-back atmosphere for lunch and dinner.
McAlister's Deli opened Monday, July 22, at 4410 W. Boy Scout Blvd. The menu is famous for its entire section devoted to tricked-out baked potatoes. Take the Spud Max with black forest ham, smoked turkey, bacon, cheddar-jack cheese, jalapeños, green onions and black olives. Vegetarians can dig into the Spud Olé, with veggie chili, cheddar-jack cheese and jalapeños. There's even a spud covered in pot roast.
McAlister's sweet tea has also developed a strong following; fans even have their own Tea Freaks page.
“We’re excited to expand McAlister’s presence in Tampa and look forward to introducing local residents to our high-quality food and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™,” McAlister’s Brayton Knotts said in a press release Monday. “I have no doubt our warm, friendly hospitality will make the community feel welcome right away and they’ll love our new summer menu items like BBQ Pulled Pork, peach tea and dessert shooters.”
Knotts said McAlister's plans to open 10 more Tampa Bay locations. The deli is open 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week. 4410 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-876-3354.
This article appears in Jul 18-24, 2013.