Newk’s Express Café, a fast-casual restaurant concept featuring a variety of made-to-order choices, will open a second Charlotte location at 101 N. Tryon on Nov. 21. A third location is set to open in Huntersville or Southpark in summer 2011. The company plans to open two locations in the Charlotte area per year over the next five years.
Created by the founders of McAlister’s Deli—who pioneered the fast-casual restaurant concept—Newk’s Express Café provides an express casual dining experience and features a variety of made-to-order choices including fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups and homemade cakes baked by Newk’s Bakery Company. A selection of wines by the glass and beer is also available.
Newk’s in Charlotte has developed a partnership with the culinary arts department of Johnson & Wales University. They have hired more than 60 employees for their new location, and half of these are students at Johnson & Wales. In addition, two managers at the Blakeney Crossing locations are alumni of Johnson & Wales. Newk’s already has more than 100 employees in Charlotte and plans to bring up to 900 additional jobs to the area.
“I started in the business when I was 15 years old in my hometown of New Orleans,” said Justin Karas, owner of Newk’s. “From the prep kitchen to washing dishes, I learned very young that I love serving people great food. This is why I’m so excited to bring more Newk’s locations to the Charlotte area.”
The new location will host the November Newk’s-Komen “Survivor of the Month” dinner for the Charlotte affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. Newk’s Charlotte is a major partner with Susan G. Komen, sponsoring races, fundraisers and starting the Newk’s-Komen Survivor of the Month. Each month people in Charlotte nominate a woman they know that is battling cancer. The selected survivor is brought to Newk’s for dinner usually attended by 50 of their closest friends and family. The events usually are attended by the Komen Pep Squad clad in pink attire and pom poms.
“When someone goes through this cancer, it’s a drain on every part of their lives,” Karas said. “We wanted to provide a way to let them know that the community is cheering them on in a very tangible way.”
To nominate a Survivor of the Month, email survivors@komencharlotte.org. Friends and family will be invited to surprise the survivor with an uplifting night of support. A complimentary meal will be provided for the survivor and her family.
Karas was recently elected to the board of directors for the Charlotte Restaurant Association and is the youngest member of the board. For more information on Karas Hospitality, visit www.karashospitality.com or @Karasclt on Twitter.