Staying rooted while expanding across new markets is a balancing act that defines modern restaurant growth. For Allister Cave, Director of Construction at MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual, that balance is not an abstract strategy. It is a daily operational discipline shaped by years spent on job sites, in training rooms, and inside restaurant operations. Since joining the company in 2016, Cave has grown alongside the brand, moving from Field Operations Manager into a national construction leadership role that now touches every new opening and conversion project.
Allister Cave | Mr. Mikes SteakhouseCasual | Director of Construction
MR MIKES Steakhouse Casual has spent more than six decades building a reputation as a Canadian casual dining staple. With more than 50 locations and continued expansion into new regions, the company remains anchored in a brand identity built around hospitality, approachable quality, and community presence. Cave sees construction as one of the most visible expressions of that identity, long before a guest ever sits down at a table.
“Authenticity isn’t just something we talk about,” Cave says. “It drives how we build, how we serve our guests, and how we grow with purpose.”
That philosophy shapes how MR MIKES approaches development today. Rather than relying solely on ground-up construction, the brand has leaned into converting existing restaurant spaces. The strategy supports faster timelines, greater sustainability, and deeper integration into local communities. For Cave, the work is about more than opening doors quickly. It is about ensuring that every new restaurant feels unmistakably like MR MIKES while remaining functional, welcoming, and operationally sound.
From operations to ownership of the build
Cave’s transition into construction leadership did not follow a traditional path. His foundation was built inside restaurant operations, where he often arrived first on-site to prepare locations for training and opening. Those early experiences shaped his approach to construction management.
“I have had a lot of experience as the first person on-site in an operational capacity, walking into restaurants that were not ready for training or where we wanted them to be,” Cave says. “That has led me to focus heavily on making sure our Operations and Training teams are kept aware of the accurate state of the restaurant so they can arrive ready to succeed.”
That operational lens has become a defining feature of his leadership style. Rather than viewing construction as a standalone phase, Cave approaches projects as integrated systems. Layouts, technology infrastructure, network connectivity, audiovisual systems, and operational flow are addressed early, not as last-minute additions.
He credits cross-functional collaboration as essential to this approach. By involving training, operations, technology, and business development teams from the initial design phase, the company reduces surprises and creates restaurants that function smoothly from day one.
“I really try to see the project as a whole,” Cave says. “Each component is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a complete restaurant.”
That mindset reflects MR MIKES’ broader organizational culture, which emphasizes internal development and cross-departmental alignment. The brand invests in promoting from within, supporting franchise partners, and maintaining consistency across locations. For Cave, this means ensuring construction decisions support not only opening day but long-term performance.
Designing authenticity into physical space
For a brand built on human connection and hospitality, physical space still matters. Cave and his team focus on translating MR MIKES’ identity into tangible design elements that guests experience the moment they walk through the door.
“When we go into a new location, we are constantly asking what communicates this is a MR MIKES,” Cave says. “Even before someone welcomes you to sit down, you should be able to feel it.”
With many new openings coming through conversions, the challenge becomes more complex. Existing buildings often carry architectural constraints, outdated layouts, or mismatched infrastructure. Cave’s team works to identify high-impact touchpoints that signal the brand while staying within practical budgets.
Furniture packages, lighting selections, seating comfort, and décor placement receive particular attention. These elements shape how long guests stay, how relaxed they feel, and how they perceive the brand experience. Cave believes these decisions operate on a subconscious level.
“Often guests cannot articulate exactly what feels right, but they know when they feel comfortable,” Cave says. “We want to create spaces where people want to stay, hang out, and enjoy themselves.”
Cost control remains part of the equation, especially for franchisees investing significant capital into new locations. Cave prioritizes creative problem-solving to protect guest experience while maintaining financial feasibility.
“We do not want to find savings in ways that diminish how people feel in the space,” he says. “That balance is critical for long-term success.”
The conversion strategy & responsible growth
The restaurant industry has faced sustained disruption in recent years. Rising construction costs, supply chain volatility, and shifting consumer behavior have forced brands to rethink expansion models. MR MIKES has responded by embracing conversions as a core growth strategy.
“The last few years have created a lot of upheaval, but also unique opportunities,” Cave says. “A conversion can allow us to get projects moving much faster than waiting for new developments.”
Beyond speed, conversions often deliver financial advantages. Existing kitchen infrastructure, mechanical systems, and structural layouts can reduce overall build costs. While conversions can introduce unexpected challenges, Cave sees the added complexity as worthwhile if it improves franchise economics.
“There are no guarantees a conversion will be easier,” he says. “But if we can make the build more cost-effective for our franchisees, it is worth the extra effort.”
This approach also supports sustainability goals by repurposing existing buildings rather than constructing entirely new ones. For Cave, responsible growth means considering environmental impact alongside financial and operational performance.
The strategy reinforces MR MIKES’ community-oriented mindset. Each new opening represents more than a transaction. It is an entry point into a local ecosystem of employees, guests, suppliers, and partners.
“We are not just putting up new signs on old restaurants,” Cave says. “We are entering communities, and we want to be a real part of them.”
Franchise partnerships & building for the future
Franchisees sit at the center of MR MIKES’ growth model. Cave views his role as a support function that empowers local owners to succeed. While his team provides expertise, guidance, and national standards, franchisees remain deeply involved in day-to-day construction oversight.
“The franchisees’ role is extremely important, even more so than mine,” Cave says. “They are the ones who are in the community, on-site every day, building relationships and keeping projects moving.”
This partnership-driven approach aligns with how MR MIKES identifies new markets. Expansion opportunities typically emerge through three channels: franchise candidates seeking to bring the brand to their communities, landlords and developers presenting available spaces, and internal business development teams targeting high-potential regions.
Cave’s team becomes involved once these elements align. From that point forward, the focus shifts to execution, coordination, and delivering a restaurant that training teams can activate efficiently.
As the brand expands eastward across Canada, Cave also navigates uneven brand recognition. Western markets often bring built-in familiarity, while newer regions require greater education and storytelling.
“That is always an uphill battle,” he says. “But it is one we continue to excel at as we expand.”
For Cave, the long-term objective remains consistent across geographies. Build responsibly. Support franchise partners. Preserve brand authenticity. Deliver spaces that feel welcoming, functional, and distinctly MR MIKES.
Looking ahead, he sees construction not simply as an operational function but as a strategic lever. Each new restaurant becomes both a physical asset and a cultural ambassador for the brand. By staying grounded in purpose while adapting to new realities, Cave believes MR MIKES can continue growing without losing what made it successful in the first place.
As the footprint expands and the map fills in, Cave remains focused on the same fundamentals that guided his earliest days in the company. Prepare thoroughly. Collaborate openly. Build with intention. Hand over spaces that empower teams to succeed. In doing so, he ensures that every new location opens not just as another restaurant, but as a lasting part of the communities MR MIKES serves.
