Newk’s Eatery: A $2.4M AUV Fast-Casual Franchise Opportunity

As the fast-casual dining market continues to thrive, Newk's Eatery stands out as a hidden gem ready to be discovered by savvy entrepreneurs. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's is embodied by the belief that there should be a little extra in every bite. This dedication to fresh, high-quality food bursting with flavor, combined with its strong franchise support system and streamlined operations, has resulted in a particularly attractive investment opportunity, with locations seeing average unit volumes of a whopping $2.4 million, and the top 33% seeing average unit volumes of $3.3 million last year, according to the brand’s 2024 FDD. 

“Newk's Eatery is ready to usher in a new era of growth,” said Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's Eatery. “This 20-year-old brand has an amazing, family-run legacy, but we've continued to improve the business model and operations and there has really never been a better time to join our franchise.” 

A Legacy of Quality and Freshness 

Founded in 2004 by Chris “Newk” Newcomb, Newk's is renowned for its diverse menu of salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all made without fryers or microwaves. The concept has expanded over the past two decades to over 90 locations in 12 states and received various accolades for food quality. 

“Our strategic positioning focuses on offering the best-tasting food in the fast-casual segment,” said Paci. “Each location preps fresh ingredients daily, ensuring that every meal meets the highest standards of quality. In a world of fast food, frozen patties and fried chicken, people are looking for more out of their food. A little extra effort in the kitchen goes a long way at the table.” 

“We have made several operational changes over the past three years to improve efficiency,” Paci said. “Despite headwinds such as rising commodity prices in 2022, for example, we have managed to maintain strong performance across our locations.” 

In late 2023, Newk's became a sister company to FSC Franchise Co., the parent company of Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap*. Both FSC and Newk’s have combined their strengths to offer franchisees a robust support system, from supply chain management to operations support and more.

Why Invest in a Newk's Eatery Franchise in 2024? 

Today, Newk's Eatery offers several compelling reasons for entrepreneurs to invest. Perhaps one of the biggest, though, is its bottom line. “Our locations have really demonstrated strong performance — our Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) are $2.4 million,” said Paci. “We are very proud of that.” 

So, how does the brand achieve those impressive numbers? For one, Paci says it's about the diversity of revenue streams. “Newk's has a robust off-premise business, with about 55% of sales coming from takeout, delivery and catering. In addition, by offering pizza on our menu we tend to have a stronger dinner day part than many fast casual brands,” he said. “The ability for franchisees to develop daytime and evening revenue provides a solid foundation for sustained growth.” 

Newk's franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and support, including market analysis, lease negotiation, construction management and more. 

Newk's also recently rolled out a new smaller prototype that gives franchisees flexibility to expand their presence in various markets. The locations can be inline or can offer drive-thru service in end-cap sites. We currently have designs that work in as little as 2800 square feet. 

The Future of Newk's Eatery 

Looking ahead, Newk’s is poised for growth and aims to add around 10 new franchisees over the next year. 

Newk’s seeks franchisees who are more than just investors — they are passionate about the brand and dedicated to operational excellence. The ideal franchisee is someone with experience in fast casual, quick service or casual dining who wants to diversify into the fast-casual sector, Paci says. 

“We are looking for the right people, not just a large number of franchisees,” Paci said. “Our ideal franchisee has experience in restaurants, understands the importance of quality and is committed to making Newk’s a local favorite in the communities they serve. With our exceptional support model, our high unit volumes and our simplified operational model, Newk’s shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.” 

With a strategic focus on key markets such as Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky and Oklahoma, Newk’s is ready to expand its footprint and bring its exceptional dining experience to more communities. 

For more information on franchising with Newk's Eatery, visit: https://newks.com/franchise/.