Jackson, Mississippi-based Newk’s Eatery, a fresh casual restaurant concept offering a variety of made-to-order choices, recently signed agreements for six new locations in the latest phase of the company’s accelerated expansion, said Chris Newcomb, founder and CEO of Newk’s Franchise Company. The menu includes 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 fresh by Newk’s Bakery Company.
Chris Newcomb is one of the founders of Newk’s Eatery. As president and CEO, he is responsible for implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the company.
When and why did you start Newk’s Eatery?
Newk’s Eatery was founded in 2004 with myself, my father, Don Newcomb, and Debra Bryson. We were focused on creating a fresh-casual concept that was also culinary driven. We wanted to be more than just a sandwich shop so we created a menu featuring fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients. By utilizing our combined experience, we established a cutting-edge concept that offers delicious products available for comfortable in-restaurant dining, grab-and-go or convenient pick-up, as well as catering.
What makes Newk’s different from other fast casual restaurants?
Most—if not all—of our menu items are made fresh from scratch in each restaurant. For example, salad dressings are made from scratch, chicken, steak and portabella mushrooms are grilled to perfection in the restaurant, soups are made from family recipes, all of our high quality meats, cheeses, greens and produce are never pre-cut or pre-packaged and croutons are seasoned and baked in the kitchen. At Newk’s Eatery, we grill, slice, cut, dice and prepare our fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of our menu entrees. We also offer homemade cakes baked fresh by Newk’s Bakery Company. This culinary-driven approach, unique flavor profile, freshest of ingredients and attention to the details are points of differentiation that our guests can taste.
How has Newk’s grown since it was founded?
Since opening its first location in Oxford, Miss., in 2004, Newk’s Eatery has expanded its presence to 11 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Newk’s has 57 restaurants open, with 12 more set to open the remainder of 2013, and all but seven are franchised. Five new restaurants opened in 2010; 15 in 2011; seven in 2012; and 15 will open in 2013.
What are your plans for the future?
We plan to continue to grow through multi-unit development partners with the financial capability to open a minimum of three restaurants. Our most recent franchise growth takes Newk’s to Summerville, South Carolina, Montgomery and Opelika, AL, Columbus, GA and Jonesboro, AR.
Who is your ideal franchisee?
We are always seeking franchise owners who have the financial capability, as well as the operational leadership and drive to open a minimum of three restaurants. We also look for restaurant experience in at least one of the partners that will provide the restaurant leadership as they develop their respective market(s). This helps ensure that each location will be successful.
For Newk’s Eatery franchise information, please visit:
http://www.newks.com/franchise/
