Name: Brandon Coleman
New title: President, McAlister’s Deli and Deli Brands
Previous title: CEO, Cotton Patch Cafe
Brandon Coleman joined GoTo Foods on Nov. 2 after roughly two years at casual dining chain Cotton Patch Cafe. In his new position, he will manage brand growth, innovation, profitability and operations for McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s Deli, according to an emailed press release.
In his most recent position, Coleman served as CEO and an operating partner for Cotton Patch Cafe, a 46-unit chain serving Texas-style comfort food, for Altamont Capital Partners. During his two-plus years in this position, he led a period of “significant transformation,” which included growing EBITDA by twelvefold, six consecutive quarters of positive sales and traffic growth and improved Google guest ratings. He also oversaw a recent sale and integration of the brand into Local Favorite Restaurants.
Coleman also worked at TGI Fridays for over a year, including three months as CEO in 2023, during which time he worked on updating the menu and adding an event services platform. His career also includes working at Dave & Buster’s, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Brava Partners, where he advised restaurants and private equity firms.
“Brandon’s deep expertise on both sides of franchise operations will be invaluable as we build on the brand’s strong foundation and enter its next chapter of growth,” Omer Gajial, GoTo Foods CEO, said in a statement. “Our focus will be on clearly communicating what makes McAlister’s special and giving guests even more reasons to visit. By listening to our team members and franchisees, elevating the guest experience and prioritizing franchisee returns in our decision-making, we will drive sustainable growth together.”
Both McAlister’s and Schlotsky’s have been growing in recent years — the former topped $1 billion in sales in 2024. McAlister’s also unveiled a big menu update in 2025 that included new pork-based core menu items. Earlier this year, Schlotzsky’s rebranded, adding Deli to its name once again and debuting a new restaurant prototype.
