McAlister’s Deli opens with fanfare Thursday

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press

McAlister’s Deli, the first business in the next phase of the Five Hills Shopping Center, opened on Thursday morning with plenty of fanfare, courtesy of the Copperas Cove Junior High Bullpups band. 
After a few numbers by the band which played in the parking lot outside the restaurant, store manager Cameron Asmus welcomed the first customers to the store. 
Each of the first 50 customers in line received a card numbered from 1-50 which they then turned in when the doors opened, to receive a $50 gift card and a complementary t-shirt. 
Asmus is a 2006 alum of Copperas Cove High School and Texas A&M University Central Texas, and has worked for McAlister’s for almost nine years, at both the company’s Georgetown and Killeen locations. 
“Right now, we have 55 employees at the Copperas Cove store—but I’m looking to hire more in the next few weeks,” Asmus said. The numbers depend on how busy the store will be—and judging by Thursday’s turnout, Cameron added that “we’ll be busy.” 
Where employees are concerned, Asmus said he especially enjoys hiring younger workers without experience because it’s very rewarding to help mold them as employees and workers.  
He also said the store’s location close to the bypass is great, with drivers being able to see the store’s sign lit up at night as they drive by.
On Thursday morning at the conclusion of the Bullpups band concert, Asmus presented a donation of $500 to the Bullpups band. 
He said that the company likes to find ways to give back to the local community, especially the schools and where parks are concerned. 
McAlister’s will be holding a ribbon cutting in the future with the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce.
On the heels of McAlister’s grand opening yesterday, the women’s clothing store maurices is opening today in the shopping center. 
According to company websites, Rack Room Shoes will open in October. Also Ross will be opening October 7 and Burkes Outlet to hold its grand opening the weekend of November 2-5. 
Bealls will also be moving in October from Cove Terrace Shopping Center, with Bill French Jewelers preparing to make the move to the shopping center from its location on Business 190.
In addition to these businesses, MyLux Nails and Spa along with Twin Liquors will also occupy the retail space, developed by Endeavor Real Estate out of Austin.