# Seasonal Deli Menus McAlister's Deli is Putting a Seasonal Twist on Its Most Popular Dishes By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-09-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcalisters-deli References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2016/09/07/mcalisters-deli-offers-new-take-on-fall-menu-items-for-2016/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TeaFreaks/photos?ref=page_internal) The fast casual chain [McAlister's Deli](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcalisters-deli-limited-time-offerings) recently gave its menu an update for the fall 2016 season. Instead of following the lead of other brands and ushering in a new lineup of pumpkin-flavored products, the chain decided to put a twist on its existing dishes. The [fall 2016 menu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toojays-deli-fall-menu) for McAlister's Deli features updated versions of some of the company's most popular dishes. For instance, customers can now craft their own Giant Spuds by choosing from toppings such as cheddar-jack cheese, Ro*Tel chili or bacon. Additionally, the chain's French Dip sandwich now comes with a bigger portion of black Angus roast beef and Swiss cheese. Finally, [Green Tea](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-giant-1) has been added as a permanent menu addition. The changes to McAlister's Deli's menu demonstrates how brands can make small changes to update their menu for the upcoming fall season. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Menu Updates:** Brands can make small changes to their menus to update and cater to seasonal preferences. - **Customization Options:** Allowing customers to personalize their orders with various toppings or accompaniments can enhance the dining experience. - **Permanent Additions:** Introducing new permanent menu items can create excitement and entice customers to try them out. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Casual Dining:** Fast casual dining chains can capitalize on seasonal changes by updating their menus with new offerings. - **Food Service:** The food service industry can benefit from offering customization options to meet the varied preferences of their customers. - **Beverage:** The beverage industry can explore adding new and unique options to their menus to attract customers and drive sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Summertime Deli Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcalisters-deli-limited-time-offerings.md) - [Hearty Steak Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-and-gorgonzola-salad.md) - [Wholesome Autumnal Deli Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jasons-deli-fall-menu.md) - [Seasonal Caramel Apple Lemonades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caramel-apple-lemonade.md) - [Seasonal Fast-Casual Restaurant Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/newks-fall-2023-menu.md) - [Crisp-Textured Deli Menu Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-harvest-lineup.md) - [Fresh Fall Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crisp-green.md) - [Crunchy Asian-Inspired Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-crunch-salad.md) - [Festive QSR Sweet Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-plum-tea.md)