STRATEGIC PARTNERS
August 9, 2011
Newk’s Express Café is on pace to exceed its expansion plans for 2011. The company has already signed 35 agreements for new locations in 2011. Six restaurants have opened so far this year and at least 14 more are expected to open soon, bringing the total number of Newk’s locations to 50 by the end of the year.
New franchise group JK&T Wings Inc. will open at least four restaurants in Baton Rouge, La., and five in Grand Rapids, Mich. JK&T Wings, owned by Kent Ward and Jim Carmody, also is the largest multi-unit franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings and a franchisee of Smashburger. The company hopes to continue expanding the Newk’s concept in the Midwest.
Newk’s also has signed an agreement to debut in Pensacola, Fla., with United Diners LLC, owned by Roman Mayer and Craig Reeder. United Diners has signed an agreement to open three units between Mobile and Pensacola by 2014 and also are partners of Newk’s restaurants in Gulfport, Hattiesburg and D’Iberville, Miss.
“Newk’s is really taking off this year. We have been growing steadily since we opened the first location seven years ago, and we’re exceeding our expectations this year,” said Chris Newcomb, president, CEO and co-founder of Newk’s. “We have added some experienced restaurant franchisees who love the Newk’s concept and we’re confident that we will continue to expand nationwide.”
Markets targeted for future expansion include Houston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., Chicago, Louisville, Ky., Orlando, Fla., Cincinnati and Richmond, Va.
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