News

Newk's Eatery announces central Florida expansion

June 29, 2016

Newk's Eatery is expanding into Central Florida with plans to bring 10-12 corporate-owned locations to the Orlando area over the next five years, according to a recent press release.

Construction is underway on the first Orlando-area restaurant in the Waterford Oaks shopping center, owned by BluRock Development, at 1542 North Alafaya Trail. It is slated to open in mid-August, a nd a second restaurant is planned for late 2016 at 11650 University Blvd.

"Newk's Eatery brings a fresh take on fast casual dining to the Waterford Oaks center," BluRock Development owner Joe Schuemann said in the release. "I've heard a lot of people say they've heard about Newk's and are eager to try it. We feel there's a great demand for the brand in the Orlando market."

This development plan will further establish Mississippi-based Newk's as a major player in Florida, where the brand is currently experiencing major growth in Jacksonville, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Palm Beach and Broward counties, according to the release. In addition to rapid corporate expansion in Orlando, Newk's has a long-term goal of reaching more than 200 locations by 2018, Newk's Eatery Chief Development Officer Chris Cheek explained in the report.

"Newk's expansion into Central Florida is an important part of our growth plan," Cheek said. "Our Orlando restaurant will be the first in Florida to feature our new contemporary design that we rolled out last year, and we think it will become a popular dining destination for the area."