News

Newk's on growth mission

February 3, 2014

Newk's Eatery, which began as a small, locally owned sandwich shop in the college town of Oxford, Miss., has grown to 66 units across 13 states, according to a company press release. This year marks the chain's 10th anniversary and will see another 15 units open. The owners have set their sights on opening a total of 200 restaurants by 2019, according to the release.

"It's the casual, family-friendly atmosphere and the menu variety that bring people in," said Phillip O'Reilly, who in partnership owns two Newk's Eatery locations in the Greater Nashville, Tenn., Area. "It's the freshness, quality and flavorfulness of the food that keeps them coming back."

Newcomb's success in the fast casual restaurant segment began 25 years ago when he, his father and family friend, built the McAlister's Deli brand. After selling that concept in 1999, Newcomb dabbled in franchise ownership while developing plans and perfecting recipes for a new concept.

In February 2004, the team of three launched a restaurant concept with a menu of hand-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas and made-from-scratch soups prepared in an open view kitchen and delivered tableside in an upscale, family-friendly dining room, according to the release. The concept is centered around the Newk's Roundtable, which is featured in the center of every restaurant and offers complimentary toppings and add-ons, such as imported capers, roasted garlic, crisp jalapeno peppers, breadsticks and more.

"Many of our franchisees are seeing double-digit year-over-year growth," said Founder Chris Newcomb. "Through seasoned, multi-unit franchise expansion, we will solidify Newk's position in the Southeast and begin to expand contiguously into new territories."

The company has sold the rights to more than 100 new restaurants opening over the next four years, including development plans in the lower Midwest, Texas, the Carolinas and Maryland, and expects to reach a total of 200 locations within five years, Newcomb said.

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