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Newk's to open in Houston, New Orleans

Newk's Eatery will development units in New Orleans and Houston thanks to an agreement with New Orleans-based Southeast Restaurant Group, founded by Elie Khoury.

May 14, 2015

Newk's Eatery will development units in New Orleans and Houston thanks to an agreement with New Orleans-based Southeast Restaurant Group, founded by Elie Khoury. The veteran operator of franchise and independent restaurants plans to open 15 Newk's locations throughout Southern Louisiana and in Houston, according to a company press release.

With the new agreement, Southeast Restaurant Group becomes Newk's largest franchisee. SRG is currently a franchisee of TGI Fridays and Chevys Fresh Mex, operating restaurants in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. It also operates its own concepts including a Mediterranean-style restaurant in the Miami area, a Creole-inspired restaurant in New Orleans, and The Round House Bar & Grill, located in the Holiday Inn Hotels owned by its affiliate, KFK Group. 

"Southeast Restaurant Group has an outstanding reputation for excellent operations that will fuel our growth plans," said Chris Cheek, Newk's chief development officer. "This agreement reflects our commitment to teaming with proven operators and delivering the best possible service to Newk's valued guests."

Newk's will open nearly 30 new company-owned and franchised locations this year with plans to reach 200 units by 2018. The concept has attracted guests and franchisees alike, and SRG is the fourth new franchisee signing in 2015, Cheek said.