News

Newk's growing in Florida, Atlanta

Newk’s Eatery has announced a new development agreement that will bring 10 Newk’s locations to southeastern Florida and other deals to bring new units to Atlanta.

November 11, 2015

Newk's Eatery has announced a new development agreement that will bring 10 Newk's locations to southeastern Florida and new units to Atlanta.

Newk's newest franchisees, Pat Tracy, his father Tom, and brothers Matt and Ryan, are seasoned restaurateurs, who opened the first Five Guys Burgers and Fries locations in Palm Beach County in 2007. The family operates eight Five Guys locations in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties and also recently opened a new independent American-fare restaurant concept, Red's Table, in Virginia.

Tracy and his team plan to open their first Newk's Eatery in late 2016, featuring Newk's Generation Two prototype, designed specifically to resonate in new markets such as south Florida.

"The Tracy family brings extensive experience in the fast casual segment as well as a deep understanding of the region," said Newk's Chief Development Officer Chris Cheek. "They are the ideal partners to help execute our rapid growth plans throughout Florida."

The new development agreement aligns with Newk's aggressive growth plans, Cheek said. The chain will open nearly 30 new company-owned and franchised locations this year, and plans to reach 200 units by 2018. The Tracys are the fifth new franchisees to sign in 2015.

"Between Newk's expansion plans and new design, we are coming on board at a dynamic time for the brand," said Pat Tracy. "Newk's matches our mission to enhance the fast casual consumer experience, and we are confident Palm Beach and Broward County will be very receptive to the brand."

The chain is also expanding its Atlanta area presence this month with two new restaurants. Following the grand opening of a location in Dunwoody, Georgia, across the street from Perimeter Mall on Nov.16, Newk's Eatery is scheduled to open its seventh restaurant in the state at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners by the end of the year. Neighboring Newk's locations include Brookhaven, Druid Hills, Midtown Atlanta, Lawrenceville and Newnan restaurants.

In 2011, the two franchise teams behind the upcoming grand openings first introduced the Newk's Eatery brand to the state of Georgia. Now each opening their second Newk's restaurant, the two groups are continuing their area expansion plans. Targeting the northern perimeter of Atlanta, Glacier Hospitality LLC — headed up by father-son business team Doug and Jay Medley— is setting down deeper roots just outside the metro area with the new Dunwoody location in addition to the group's existing Brookhaven restaurant. NEC the Forum, LLC meanwhile will be maintaining its focus on Gwinnett County with its Peachtree Corners restaurant and partner location in Lawrenceville. 

"The greater Atlanta area is a prime home for a foodie brand like Newk's," said Greg LaFoe, NEC the Forum, LLC owner and operator. "I believe our emphasis on premium ingredients and our pairing of creative flavor profiles along with the time-tested family recipes of our brand founder really speak to local diners here. We aim to keep growing even further into the market over the next five to 10 years."