Hutto’s long wait for a McAlister’s Deli is finally on the clock. The Carmel Creek location is now slated to open on January 24, 2026, bringing the chain’s famous sweet tea and fully loaded “giant spuds” to local diners. After years of construction and false starts, the restaurant is expected to debut as a full-service deli with pick-up and catering options when doors open.
Confirmed opening date
According to WhatNow, local tracker Huttotopia shared the January 24 opening date and posted photos showing ongoing progress at the site. WhatNow notes that the project has been in the public eye for years and points readers to community updates that have followed the slow buildout.
Site history and permits
Public records from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show the project was registered in March 2022, with a listed construction start date of March 28, 2022 and a completion date of June 27, 2022. The filing lists an estimated construction cost of about $1.3 million and names Best Choice Restaurants as the owner. Those details help explain the long lead time that has stretched between the initial paperwork and the current push to finally open.
What to expect on the menu
McAlister’s official location page for Hutto still labels the restaurant as “Coming Soon” but highlights the classics that regulars know well, including the McAlister’s Club, the chain’s giant spuds, and its Famous Sweet Tea. As noted on McAlister’s website, the chain has also recently featured limited-time items such as a Cuban sandwich and a Spicy BBQ Crunch Chicken Sandwich. The Hutto location is being promoted for pickup, delivery, and catering services once it opens.
Local coverage and photos
Huttotopia, a Hutto-focused community site, has been posting photo updates on the project since mid-2024 and reported the January 24 date in a December update. As shown on Huttotopia, the gallery includes interior shots and progress photos that line up with state filings and the signage visible at the site. For neighbors who have been watching the build inch forward, the confirmed opening date is the clearest sign yet that the deli is almost ready.
Hiring and practical details
Job listings indicate the restaurant is still staffing up. A local team-member posting tied to the Hutto store, including the Chris Kelley Boulevard address, appears on Workstream. McAlister’s Hutto location page also includes a phone number for the store. For the latest updates or any last-minute shifts in the plan, the chain directs followers to @mcalistersdeli on Instagram.
