The fast-casual brand is expanding the community focus of Newk’s Cares while continuing to raise funds and awareness through year-round fundraising efforts.
Jackson, MS (RestaurantNews.com) This September, Newk’s Eatery is recognizing Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by continuing the mission that has been personal to the brand for more than a decade. Through Newk’s Cares, the fast-casual restaurant brand is honoring Lori Newcomb’s legacy while raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer.
Lori, wife of Newk’s Eatery Founder and Executive Chairman Chris Newcomb, was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in 2013. After learning how difficult ovarian cancer can be to detect, Lori and Chris launched Newk’s Cares in 2014 to increase awareness of the disease and support ovarian cancer research. The initiative has since raised millions of dollars for the cause.
“My mom really turned a negative into a positive,” said Madison Newcomb, Lori and Chris Newcomb’s daughter and director of marketing at Newk’s Eatery. “None of us knew anything about ovarian cancer when she was diagnosed. Her goal became raising awareness and funds, but more than anything, she wanted women to understand the symptoms and listen to their bodies.”
Newk’s Cares continues its mission year-round through cup sales at Newk’s restaurants, with a portion of proceeds supporting ovarian cancer awareness and assistance.
The organization is also entering a new phase. Newk’s Cares is working toward becoming a 501(c)(3), a move designed to give the organization greater flexibility to direct funds toward local needs and community-based programs. Newk’s is also working with its franchise owners and restaurant teams to identify ovarian cancer organizations, support groups and other opportunities in the communities it serves.
“We want to be able to give back in a more personal way,” Madison said. “A good wig can cost $1,500 to $2,000, and not everyone can afford that when they are already going through treatment and have so many other expenses. We’re looking at ways we can help with needs like that, whether it’s providing wigs, donating food to a support group or working with an organization in one of our local communities.”
The shift will also give Newk’s franchise owners more opportunities to bring the Newk’s Cares mission into their own markets. Newcomb is developing a plan for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 that will help existing restaurants and new store openings incorporate local fundraising and awareness efforts.
One of the first examples will take place in Wichita, Kansas, where Newk’s is preparing to open a new restaurant in early October. Activities leading up to the opening will include a day focused on Newk’s Cares, giving guests an opportunity to learn about the cause and support its mission.
Newk’s is also exploring ways to incorporate Newk’s Cares into future restaurant openings. During training events and other pre-opening activities where guests receive complimentary food, customers could be invited to make a voluntary contribution to Newk’s Cares. Franchise owners have also expressed interest in organizing local events such as golf tournaments and 5Ks.
For the Newcomb family, expanding Newk’s Cares’ local reach remains closely tied to Lori’s original mission. Ovarian cancer symptoms can include bloating, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly, loss of appetite and lower back pain. Because many symptoms can be mistaken for common health issues, Lori made education and awareness central to Newk’s Cares.
“This is personal to our brand and to our franchise owners because they went through this with our family from the time my mom was diagnosed,” Madison said. “Her number one goal was getting the word out about ovarian cancer and making sure women knew the symptoms. We want to keep honoring her legacy through Newk’s Cares while finding more ways to help people directly in the communities where we have restaurants.”
Newk’s Cares will continue supporting ovarian cancer awareness throughout the year while developing additional local programs and fundraising opportunities as the initiative enters its next chapter.
About Newk’s Eatery
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature hospitality and scratch-made meals. With nearly 100 locations across 12 states, Newk’s offers a diverse menu of hand-crafted salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas – all made in-house with fresh, premium ingredients and without the use of fryers or microwaves. Guests can also enjoy convenient grab-and-go options and mobile ordering through the Newk’s app, available on Google Play and the App Store, for curbside, in-store pickup, or delivery.
Newk’s has earned national recognition from Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Entrepreneur, and continues to be celebrated for food quality and guest loyalty. To learn more, visit Newks.com, join the Newk’s Rewards program, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. For franchise opportunities, visit OwnANewks.com.
Contact:
Chad Cohen
Mainland
786-417-5769
ccohen@hellomainland.com