Jackson Free Press

McAlister's HQ Moving to Atlanta

It's a wrap for McAlister's Deli's Ridgeland corporate headquarters. The company, which specializes in fast, high-quality sandwiches, is moving its HQ to Atlanta, the Jackson Free Press has learned.

Officials at neither McAlister's Ridgeland office, which remains open, nor its Atlanta-based parent company Roark Capital Group returned calls and emails as of press time. However, current employees of the restaurant chain confirmed a move is taking place, but would not provide details.

The first McAlister's opened in Oxford in 1989. Roark Capital acquired McAlister's in 2005. At the time, McAlister's generated revenues of around $200 million across 170 locations in 19 states. The company has grown to more than 310 restaurants in 23 states as of the end of November. At the time, sales at company-owned and franchise stores were up by about 7 percent thanks to an increase in entree sales.

Roark Capital--a private-equity firm whose franchises operate in 50 states and more than fifty countries--manages $3 billion in equity capital. The firm's brands--which also include Arby's, Auntie Anne's, Batteries Plus, Cinnabon, Corner Bakery, Massage Envy, Schlotzsky's Deli and Wingstop--generate $10 billion in revenues.

Olympians Flip into Jackson

The nation's 450 best junior gymnasts are coming to the capital city. This morning, government and tourism officials announced that Jackson would host the Junior Olympics National Meet in May 2014, Jackson's first-ever Olympic qualifying competition.

During the event, athletes from eight age divisions will compete for national titles; the top four in each age category qualify for the 2014 Junior Olympic National Team.

College coaches will be on hand to recruit for gymnastic programs. Past Olympians and hopefuls for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro are also expected to attend.

In April 2013, Jackson will also host the southeastern regional competition for athletes in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi. The top performers from regional competition will compete will compete at the national meet.

Both events take place at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Iron House Galloping Along

After months of planning, the Iron Horse Grill broke ground Dec. 10 for a new restaurant. A revamped 12,000-square-foot restaurant and live music will anchor the project that also includes a Mississippi Blues Trail gift shop and a collection of memorabilia celebrating the state's musical legacy.

"It provides a tremendous tie-in between the core of downtown and projects west of the rail line extending to the campus of Jackson State University," Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said in a city newsletter.

With backing from the city, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority issued $2.5 million in urban renewal bonds to The Simpson Group, the project developer for the $6 million project. The Simpson Group also received about $1.5 million in new-market tax credits has received historic tax credits. The developer is providing about $1.4 million for the project.

Metrocenter Under New Management

The Overby Company, a local residential and commercial realtor, has taken over as Metrocenter Mall's operator. Scott Overby, the real-estate firm's principal broker, said the company wants to repurpose the mall for multiple traditional and nontraditional uses.

"We envision the future of the Metrocenter Mall as a vibrant hybrid retail and community services location," Overby said in a statement.

In addition to wanting to attract local and national retailers, medical providers and financial services, Overby is also eyeing a grocery store to lease at the mall.

Metrocenter has 4,000 square feet of available rental space. In addition, the mall houses a Mississippi Highway Patrol location, a Jackson Police Department satellite office as well as other city departments that will bring 200 to 300 employees.