Newk’s Eatery

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Cheek</a>, chief development officer of&nbsp;<a href="https://ownanewks.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Newk’s Eatery</a>, is helping guide the brand’s next stage of franchise growth as the company sharpens its development strategy around unit-level performance. The fast-casual brand, known for its made-from-scratch menu spanning sandwiches, salads, soups, pizzas and catering, reports average unit volumes of approximately $2,311,855 for all franchised and company-owned restaurants in fiscal year 2025. The franchise operates 29 company-owned restaurants, making it the largest operator within its own system.“We've been there and done that 29 times and we're still looking for sites to build more company-owned stores,” Cheek said. “We’re hip to hip with our franchisees.”&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/info">Newk’s</a> leadership team has played a key role in the brand’s growth in the fast-casual restaurant industry. That story begins with&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/chris-newcomb-55a63518?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Newcomb</a>, who also co-founded McAlister’s Deli. He launched Newk’s with the goal of serving family-inspired recipes in an open kitchen where guests can watch their food being made fresh every day.Since its founding in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi, the brand has expanded with the help of an experienced leadership team. Here’s a closer look.<h2>Operational Experience at the Executive Level</h2>Behind Newk’s Eatery’s development strategy is a leadership team with decades of experience in restaurant operations and franchise development.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-paci-8b1a56a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Frank G. Paci</a> was previously CEO at Corner Bakery Café and Il Fornaio Restaurants. He became CEO of Newk’s Eatery in 2021. Under Paci’s leadership, Newk’s has reworked its prototype, reducing the footprint from roughly 4,000 square feet to as small as 2,800 square feet. This has reduced franchisees’ occupancy costs while maintaining the dine-in experience. The brand has continued to post average unit volumes of more than $2 million.Paci has also helped implement Newk’s more disciplined growth strategy, which focuses on existing market density instead of rapid expansion.Senior Vice President of Operations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcwilson1/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matt Wilson</a> also brings that strategy to the table, with nearly 20 years of experience working with Newk’s. He has held roles ranging from general manager to director-level positions since 2007.&nbsp;Wilson has been directly involved in store openings, training and operations. He’s been part of refining training programs totaling more than 350 hours for franchisees and improving store-opening processes. His operational background helps ensure that changes are practical for franchisees.&nbsp;Cheek has served as chief development officer since June 2025, and did a prior stint with Newk’s in the role from 2014-2019. Prior to coming on board, he was president and managing partner of Atlantic Franchise Advisors. He has also previously been chief development officer at companies such as Modern Restaurant Concepts, FAT Brands’ QSR division and Global Franchise Group.&nbsp;Together, Paci, Wilson and Cheek bring a combination of outside perspective and internal experience, with a shared focus on improving unit economics, growth strategy and store-level execution.<h2>Technology as a Growth Driver</h2>As guest habits have changed, Newk’s has put more emphasis on its technology.&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/adam-karveller-37832931?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Adam Karveller</a> moved into the chief technology officer role in 2023 after years of leading IT at Newk’s and has helped update how the system operates.Online ordering, catering, delivery partnerships and a mobile app with rewards are now part of the daily operations. They’re used across both corporate and franchised locations and give owners more ways to drive sales beyond the dining room.&nbsp;In addition, data from POS, digital channels and in-store systems help the brand better understand guest behavior and operational performance.“Data is great to help understand guest behavior across channels, whether that's third-party marketplaces, digital ordering or in the store,” Karveller said. “We can look at our business in two slices and make sure that we're well-staffed to execute catering because it's a big differentiator for us at Newk’s.”&nbsp;<h2>Board-Level Franchise and Investment Oversight</h2>Newk’s operates under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FSC Franchise Co.</a>, which also owns&nbsp;<a href="https://beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Brass Tap</a>, and led by CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-leadership-team-2731766&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Elliott</a>, alongside a comprehensive leadership team with a collective 230+ years of industry experience. The board includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CapitalSpring</a> partners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-herrmann-205aa624/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Erik Herrmann</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-daniel-cfa-93430764/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wade Daniel</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim Balis</a>, adding experience in franchise investment and portfolio management as the brand continues to grow.Having both restaurant operators and franchise investors on the team helps balance brand values with smart financial management. This mix also strengthens Newk’s as a franchise model, with support in real estate, construction, training and ongoing field support.<h2>Shaping the Brand for the Long Term</h2>Newk’s flexible restaurant designs, including freestanding buildings, inline restaurants, drive-thru options and end-cap spaces, show that leadership is adapting to changing customer habits. Programs like&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/newks-cares/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-newks-eaterys-seasoned-leadership-team-is-driving-23-million-auvs-2732302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Newk’s Cares</a> — an initiative that raises awareness for ovarian cancer and has generated $2.5 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance — also help keep the brand connected to the community.The current leadership team combines the founder’s vision, experienced restaurant leaders and a board focused on franchise operations and growth. Each team member plays a role in supporting the brand’s operations and growth. Together, they have helped make Newk’s a brand that balances hospitality with strong operations, keeping it relevant in the fast-casual market.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.</a>&nbsp;

How Newk’s Eatery’s Seasoned Leadership Team is Driving $2.3 Million AUVs

How Newk’s Leadership Shaped the Brand’s Growth

1851 Franchise

Newk’s executives are reshaping the model with smaller footprints, market-focused expansion and operational changes designed to improve unit-level performance.

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<a href="https://ownanewks.com/">Newk’s Eatery</a>, the nearly 100-unit fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature hospitality and scratch-made meals, gives franchisees flexibility in restaurant formats, allowing them to find the best possible site for each market rather than forcing them into a single prototype. The restaurant can work across multiple formats, including freestanding restaurants, end caps, inline spaces, drive-thrus and takeaway-window concepts.“We're looking for a great site first and foremost,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/">Chris Cheek,</a> chief development officer. “When we say ‘What is a great site?’ It could be inline, could be freestanding or a drive-thru.”&nbsp;The flexibility allows franchisees to pursue sites that make the most sense financially and operationally in their local market.&nbsp;<h2>Flexible Footprints Help Lower Buildout Costs</h2>Newk’s has significant experience converting second-generation restaurant spaces, allowing franchisees to often save money compared to building from the ground up, especially when moving into newer former restaurant locations. The franchise can also operate in smaller footprints, which lowers construction costs and reduces the amount of furniture and equipment needed.&nbsp;“We can go as small as 2,200 square feet or as large as 4,000 square feet,” Cheek said. “By being able to shrink our footprint down, you have fewer tables and chairs to acquire to put into the building. You're actually constructing a smaller square footage inside. So there are some savings on the cost there.”Newk’s actively supports franchisees with site selection and construction. Because the company operates 29 of its own corporate locations, many of which it developed itself, the leadership team has firsthand experience opening and growing restaurants in the right locations.&nbsp;“They want it to be the right location for the right demographic, the right traffic counts and the right dayparts,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-howard-b7524120/">Rick Howard</a>, a multi-unit franchisee in Georgia. “It’s very specific. I would say Newk’s is more intentional than a lot of fast-food or QSR brands you see where stores are just lined up down the road together. That’s not necessarily Newk’s approach, and that’s been a big help for me coming into a brand I didn’t know that well at first.”<h2>An Open Kitchen Design Built Around the Guest Experience</h2>Newk’s designs its restaurant layouts around the open kitchen. Rather than shaping the kitchen around the dining room, the design process begins by positioning the open kitchen where guests will have a direct line of sight from the front entrance.&nbsp;“If you look at our architectural plans, we actually call the open kitchen the ‘stage.’ The first thing the architect does is look at where the open kitchen can go so that any guest walking in the front door sees the kitchen first,” Cheek said. “Then the rest of the restaurant lays out around the open kitchen.”&nbsp;The approach is meant to create a more engaging guest experience by immediately showcasing food preparation and activity as customers walk into the restaurant.“The first thing you're going to notice is the open kitchen,” said Howard. “And I think that's really big for customers. It's an open book. You see what's going on, which is not always the case in a lot of restaurants.”&nbsp;Newk’s has also made adjustments to its restaurant materials and finishes to help lower construction costs without changing the guest experience. The brand focuses on achieving the same visual appearance with more cost-effective materials, such as using painted walls instead of tile in certain areas.&nbsp;“They use all the right materials,” Howard said. “I was so impressed with things like the lighting fixtures, for example, where obviously somebody really thought about what to use.”Flexible restaurant formats, thoughtful site selection and an efficient buildout strategy give Newk’s franchisees a real estate model that helps them enter markets more strategically while maintaining the guest experience the brand is known for.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/.</a>&nbsp;

Newk’s Eatery’s Flexible Real Estate Model Supports Smarter Growth for Franchisees

Newk’s Eatery gives franchisees flexibility in restaurant size, format and site selection, helping operators lower buildout costs and pursue smarter growth opportunities in their local markets.

newks-eaterys-flexible-real-estate-model-supports-smarter-growth-for-franchisees

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/">Chris Cheek</a>, chief development officer of&nbsp;<a href="https://ownanewks.com/">Newk’s Eatery</a>, is helping guide the brand’s next stage of franchise growth as the company sharpens its development strategy around unit-level performance. The fast-casual brand, known for its made-from-scratch menu spanning sandwiches, salads, soups, pizzas and catering, reports average unit volumes of approximately $2,311,855 for all franchised and company-owned restaurants in fiscal year 2025. The franchise operates 29 company-owned restaurants, making it the largest operator within its own system.“We've been there and done that 29 times and we're still looking for sites to build more company-owned stores,” Cheek said. “We’re hip to hip with our franchisees.”&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/info">Newk’s</a> leadership team has played a key role in the brand’s growth in the fast-casual restaurant industry. That story begins with&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/chris-newcomb-55a63518">Chris Newcomb</a>, who also co-founded McAlister’s Deli. He launched Newk’s with the goal of serving family-inspired recipes in an open kitchen where guests can watch their food being made fresh every day.Since its founding in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi, the brand has expanded with the help of an experienced leadership team. Here’s a closer look.<h2>Operational Experience at the Executive Level</h2>Behind Newk’s Eatery’s development strategy is a leadership team with decades of experience in restaurant operations and franchise development.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-paci-8b1a56a/">Frank G. Paci</a> was previously CEO at Corner Bakery Café and Il Fornaio Restaurants. He became CEO of Newk’s Eatery in 2021. Under Paci’s leadership, Newk’s has reworked its prototype, reducing the footprint from roughly 4,000 square feet to as small as 2,800 square feet. This has reduced franchisees’ occupancy costs while maintaining the dine-in experience. The brand has continued to post average unit volumes of more than $2 million.Paci has also helped implement Newk’s more disciplined growth strategy, which focuses on existing market density instead of rapid expansion.Senior Vice President of Operations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcwilson1/">Matt Wilson</a> also brings that strategy to the table, with nearly 20 years of experience working with Newk’s. He has held roles ranging from general manager to director-level positions since 2007.&nbsp;Wilson has been directly involved in store openings, training and operations. He’s been part of refining training programs totaling more than 350 hours for franchisees and improving store-opening processes. His operational background helps ensure that changes are practical for franchisees.&nbsp;Cheek has served as chief development officer since June 2025, and did a prior stint with Newk’s in the role from 2014-2019. Prior to coming on board, he was president and managing partner of Atlantic Franchise Advisors. He has also previously been chief development officer at companies such as Modern Restaurant Concepts, FAT Brands’ QSR division and Global Franchise Group.&nbsp;Together, Paci, Wilson and Cheek bring a combination of outside perspective and internal experience, with a shared focus on improving unit economics, growth strategy and store-level execution.<h2>Technology as a Growth Driver</h2>As guest habits have changed, Newk’s has put more emphasis on its technology.&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/adam-karveller-37832931">Adam Karveller</a> moved into the chief technology officer role in 2023 after years of leading IT at Newk’s and has helped update how the system operates.Online ordering, catering, delivery partnerships and a mobile app with rewards are now part of the daily operations. They’re used across both corporate and franchised locations and give owners more ways to drive sales beyond the dining room.&nbsp;In addition, data from POS, digital channels and in-store systems help the brand better understand guest behavior and operational performance.“Data is great to help understand guest behavior across channels, whether that's third-party marketplaces, digital ordering or in the store,” Karveller said. “We can look at our business in two slices and make sure that we're well-staffed to execute catering because it's a big differentiator for us at Newk’s.”&nbsp;<h2>Board-Level Franchise and Investment Oversight</h2>Newk’s operates under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/">FSC Franchise Co.</a>, which also owns&nbsp;<a href="https://beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebrasstapfranchise.com/">The Brass Tap</a>, and led by CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-elliott-7365a6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=fsc-franchise-co-leadership-team-2731766">Chris Elliott</a>, alongside a comprehensive leadership team with a collective 230+ years of industry experience. The board includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capitalspring.com/">CapitalSpring</a> partners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-herrmann-205aa624/">Erik Herrmann</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-daniel-cfa-93430764/">Wade Daniel</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/">Jim Balis</a>, adding experience in franchise investment and portfolio management as the brand continues to grow.Having both restaurant operators and franchise investors on the team helps balance brand values with smart financial management. This mix also strengthens Newk’s as a franchise model, with support in real estate, construction, training and ongoing field support.<h2>Shaping the Brand for the Long Term</h2>Newk’s flexible restaurant designs, including freestanding buildings, inline restaurants, drive-thru options and end-cap spaces, show that leadership is adapting to changing customer habits. Programs like&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/newks-cares/">Newk’s Cares</a> — an initiative that raises awareness for ovarian cancer and has generated $2.5 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance — also help keep the brand connected to the community.The current leadership team combines the founder’s vision, experienced restaurant leaders and a board focused on franchise operations and growth. Each team member plays a role in supporting the brand’s operations and growth. Together, they have helped make Newk’s a brand that balances hospitality with strong operations, keeping it relevant in the fast-casual market.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/">Newk’s Eatery</a>, the 97-unit fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and pizzas, is targeting the Raleigh-Durham market in North Carolina for franchise development. With no current restaurants in the area, the market is ripe for growth as the brand continues to expand nationwide. With more than an estimated 2 million people living in the region, Newk’s has room for at least 12 new restaurants.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Raleigh-Durham represents exactly the kind of market we look for as we grow our footprint," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/">Chris Cheek</a>, chief development officer of Newk’s Eatery. "The region combines strong population growth, an exceptional business climate and a consumer base that appreciates quality dining. For the right franchise partner, there is tremendous long-term potential here."&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-to-start-a-business/2281">WalletHub’s 2026 rankings</a>, Raleigh placed ninth among the best large cities to start a business. Durham ranked No. 12. The rankings were based on business environment, access to resources and cost. The median household income in Raleigh is around $85,395, which suggests consumers have discretionary income to spend on dining.The population is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avisonyoung.us/w/how-raleigh-durham-is-defying-national-trends-with-robust-growth">also growing steadily</a>. The region saw a consistent average annual population growth rate of around 2.40% from 2000 to 2024. If that growth continues, the population is expected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030.<a href="https://raleighnc.gov/doing-business/services/small-business-startup-roadmaps/restaurants-roadmap">Raleigh has a variety of restaurant spaces</a> available, including second-generation locations that come with existing kitchen setups. Newk’s Eatery’s flexible real estate model gives franchisees more options when choosing where to open. Because the brand can operate in a range of formats, from freestanding restaurants to inline spaces and drive-thrus, owners can find a site that fits their market and budget rather than being limited to a single setup. That flexibility can help lower costs, make site selection easier and create more opportunities for growth.“We’ve spent a lot of time making sure our model works in today’s environment,” Cheek said. “From the size of the box to the menu to the way we operate, everything is designed to help franchisees drive strong returns while maintaining the quality we’re known for.”<h3>How Raleigh-Durham Fits Into Newk’s Larger Expansion Plans</h3>In 2025, Newk’s signed 10 franchise deals and opened five restaurants in Pascagoula, Mississippi; Statesboro, Georgia; Mandeville, Louisiana; Wichita, Kansas; and at the University of Georgia.“Raleigh-Durham is exactly the type of market we’re prioritizing as we grow. It has strong population growth, a steady flow of new residents and a business environment that supports long-term success,” Cheek said. “For franchisees, that means entering a market with real demand and significant room for expansion.”Newk’s is building on the momentum it has already seen and plans to exceed its 2025 development pace, targeting 15 or more new franchise commitments. With no current presence in Raleigh-Durham, the market represents a key opportunity to introduce the brand’s fresh, scratch-made menu and franchise model to a new and growing customer base.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.</a>&nbsp;

Newk’s Eatery Targets the Raleigh-Durham

With no existing locations in the market, the fast-casual restaurant brand sees an opportunity to grow in a region with strong demographics and favorable business conditions.

Newk’s Eatery Targets the Raleigh-Durham Market in North Carolina for Franchise Development

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<a href="https://ownanewks.com/">Newk’s Eatery</a>, the nearly 100-unit fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature hospitality and scratch-made meals, has built a franchise model designed to support long-term multi-unit growth for its owners.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/info">Newk’s</a> systems and training infrastructure are among the biggest reasons the brand works well for multi-unit operators. The company has built detailed processes for training both managers and hourly employees during new store openings, while also supporting franchisees as they continue hiring after opening.&nbsp;“I think a lot of restaurant chains do a good job of training, but I think we do an exceptionally good job of, not only having the tools and the process for it, but the technology behind it,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cheek-01a4901/">Chris Cheek</a>, chief development officer.&nbsp;Newk’s has an industry-leading support structure. It includes more than 350 hours of initial training, ongoing business coaching and localized marketing support that helps make expanding to multiple units more attainable.&nbsp;Newk’s also has a flexible real estate model that gives franchisees more opportunities to grow across multiple markets and property types. The brand can operate in spaces as small as 2,200 square feet or as large as 4,000 square feet, with locations ranging from freestanding buildings to inline and end-cap spaces. That flexibility allows franchisees to evaluate a wider range of real estate opportunities when developing additional units.“Most of our franchisees are leasing space,” Cheek said. “That only takes about 90 to 120 days for the construction process. It's quicker for us to do leasehold improvement-type deals.”<h2>Support With Site Selection and Build-Out</h2>Newk’s takes an active role in both the site selection and construction support process for franchisees, while also leaning heavily on its training programs to help operators scale successfully. The company also operates 29 corporate locations, many of which it developed itself, giving the leadership team firsthand experience with opening and growing restaurants using its own systems and capital.&nbsp;“They want it to be the right location for the right demographic, the right traffic counts and the right dayparts,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-howard-b7524120/">Rick Howard</a>, a multi-unit franchisee in Georgia. “It’s very specific. I would say Newk’s is more intentional than a lot of fast-food or QSR brands you see where stores are just lined up down the road together. That’s not necessarily Newk’s approach, and that’s been a big help for me coming into a brand I didn’t know that well at first.”Newk’s restaurant design and build-out model also supports multi-unit ownership by focusing on durability, functionality and operational consistency. The brand uses long-lasting materials like stainless steel and quality tile work that can better withstand the wear and tear of high-volume restaurant operations, helping reduce maintenance concerns across multiple locations.&nbsp;<h2>The Competitive Advantage</h2>Newk’s combines flexible real estate options, shorter build-out timelines and structured training systems with direct operational experience from its own corporate locations. Rather than simply advising franchisees from a corporate office, the company continues to actively develop and operate its own restaurants, giving the team firsthand insight into the realities of site selection, hiring, training and opening new locations.“We’re always hip to hip with our franchisees,” Cheek said. “We’re looking for company-owned sites, building sites and hiring and training new teams right alongside them.”That hands-on approach from an experienced team gives a real competitive edge for franchise owners looking to develop a multi-unit portfolio.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/.</a>&nbsp;

Why Newk’s Is a Good Franchise for Multi-Unit Operators

Newk’s gives operators room to grow with flexible site formats and a support team that stays involved from real estate through opening.

why-newks-is-a-good-franchise-for-multi-unit-operators

Before becoming a&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/">Newk’s Eatery</a> franchise owner, Greg LaFoe worked as a representative at Northwestern Mutual. There, he worked closely with franchise owners of brands such as Sonic Drive-In, which showed him just how successful franchising can be.&nbsp;“I stopped there at Northwestern after about a year and went and worked for a large Sonic Drive-In franchisee in Jackson, Mississippi,” he said. “I did that for about a year, and then I went out to Texarkana, Texas. I really enjoyed it and lived there for about a year. I moved back to Jackson in 2008. With&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/info">Newk’s</a> being a local franchise there, I decided to pursue it.”Newk’s stood out because of its freshness. LaFoe noticed how everything was made from scratch and how high the quality of the ingredients was. He saw how each meal at Newk’s is handcrafted in an open environment, while the brand prepares its dishes on-site without any fryers or microwaves.&nbsp;In addition to the quality of the food, LaFoe was also attracted to how franchisees were able to scale efficiently, something he ended up doing himself after opening Georgia’s very first Newk’s location in Lawrenceville.&nbsp;“We decided to expand because the timing was right,” LaFoe said. “We had had two stores that were doing fairly well and we felt the need to grow, and the right opportunity came up. There was a group that was selling four of its locations as the owner was retiring. I'd known the family for a very long time and reached out, and we just decided it was a good fit and ended up purchasing those four units.”&nbsp;He sold the Lawrenceville location in 2017, but has since grown his portfolio to six units across Georgia and Alabama, with restaurants in Norcross, Tucker and Columbus in Georgia, as well as Opelika, Montgomery and Dothan in Alabama.“We bought Tucker in 2023, which was actually a closed location that we reopened,” LaFoe said. “We were able to take that store that was currently doing about $1 million in sales when we bought it, and it will probably do around $2.2 million this year.”&nbsp;LaFoe also saw how well the concept translates into catering and realized early on how it could drive sales, especially for locations that needed a boost beyond in-store traffic. Newk’s menu allows operators to prepare food in bulk without sacrificing quality, and the items travel well, which is important for large orders.&nbsp;“The food holds well over a time period,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be piping hot all the time like a lot of restaurants. Sandwiches and salads just hold themselves well, and you can make them in bulk.”That flexibility has allowed LaFoe to grow revenue without always relying only on foot traffic. Instead of waiting for more guests to come into the restaurant, his team focused on bringing the food directly to customers through catering.“We can’t always get more people to come sit in the restaurant immediately, but we can get that food to people pretty fast,” he said.Catering has also helped him stabilize operations and retain employees. By increasing overall sales volume, LaFoe has been able to maintain consistent hours for his team, even during slower periods, which has led to stronger retention at the store level.“During COVID-19, when everyone had let go of their staff, we actually made a conscious decision to hire,” he said. “When everybody started coming back, we could fulfill these large catering orders. We were able to drastically increase our business during that time.”&nbsp;LaFoe is still building on that momentum today. He plans to continue expanding his Newk’s footprint while building on the systems that have already proven to work.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.</a>&nbsp;

Greg LaFoe now owns six Newk’s Eatery restaurants across Georgia and Alabama, including a reopened Tucker, Georgia, location projected to reach $2.2 million in sales this year. 

How Newk’s Eatery’s Made-From-Scratch Menu and Scalable Model Allowed This Franchisee to Grow to Six Units

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In the&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fast-casual-restaurants-market-us-060800698.html">$84 billion fast-casual space</a>, many brands offer convenience. Few, however, deliver the winning combination of culinary soul and powerhouse unit economics.&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/">Newk’s Eatery</a>, the 97-unit brand born out of a family kitchen in Oxford, Mississippi, has spent the last 20 years building, tweaking and ultimately perfecting a model that’s as efficient as it is premium.Now, backed by FSC Franchise Co.'s operational expertise,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/info">Newk’s</a> is entering a new era defined by disciplined, aggressive growth. For investors looking to build generational wealth with a brand boasting a $2.2 million average unit volume (AUV), here are 10 reasons why Newk’s Eatery stands out as a franchise opportunity.<h2>1. Industry-Leading Unit Economics</h2>Numbers don’t lie. Newk’s franchise locations boast an impressive AUV of $2.2 million, with top-performing stores exceeding $3 million. These figures sit well above the typical fast-casual concept. Newk’s paves a clear and proven path to profitability and a strong return on investment.&nbsp;<h2>2. A 20-Year Operational Playbook &amp; Over 120 Years of Experience in the Leadership Team</h2>Success at Newk’s isn't a guessing game. For more than 20 years, the brand has refined a comprehensive operational playbook that enables seamless execution of its made-from-scratch model. Even for prospective franchise owners without a culinary background, Newk’s simplified training and back-of-house systems deliver a consistent, high-quality guest experience. In addition to a robust playbook, Newk’s diverse leadership team brings over 120 years of combined restaurant franchise experience, adding even more strength to the support system for franchisees.<h2>3. A Built-In Base of More Than 250,000 Loyal Fans</h2>With Newk’s, franchisees don’t have to build an audience from scratch. The brand is strongly supported by an army of more than 250,000 Newk’s Rewards members and loyal fans nationwide. That brand affinity helps drive immediate traffic out of the gate, reducing the risk often associated with entering new markets while providing a solid foundation for multi-unit growth.<h2>4. Flexible, Growth-Ready Prototypes</h2>Flexibility rules in today’s real estate market. The general Newk’s footprint has evolved from traditional large-box units to a more efficient 2,200-3,500-square-foot prototype. There are also options for inline, endcap and drive-thru restaurants. All of this helps franchisees adapt to the best available real estate in their market while keeping occupancy costs low and margins higher.<h2>5. Multiple Revenue Streams That Go Beyond Dine-In</h2>Newk’s doesn't just rely on the dining room. The brand’s menu is perfectly suited for off-premise growth. Strong catering operations, group sales, delivery integration and an efficient mobile app all help make the ordering process effortless. And that has helped Newk’s franchisees to capture revenue across multiple dayparts and occasions.<h2>6. The "Scratch-Made" Competitive Edge</h2>In a world of heat-and-serve fast food, Newk’s stands apart. The brand’s kitchens are open, showcasing hand-crafted meals made without fryers or microwaves to ensure freshness. This commitment to premium ingredients creates a premium fast-casual positioning that keeps guests coming back at a rate of 2.8 times per quarter.<h2>7. Backed by the Power of FSC Franchise Co.</h2>As part of the FSC portfolio alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/beefobradys/info">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/brasstap/info">The Brass Tap</a>, Newk’s franchisees benefit from shared resources. This includes increased purchasing power, shared marketing intelligence and a world-class leadership team dedicated to providing franchisee support and helping operators navigate supply chain concerns.<h2>8. Comprehensive Training and Support</h2>Newk’s provides an industry-leading support structure. With more than 350 hours of initial training, Newk’s equips franchisees with ongoing business coaching and localized marketing support. Because FSC Franchise Co. also operates 30 corporate locations, it’s in the trenches with franchisees and makes decisions based on real-time operational data at the local level.<h2>9. Mission-Driven Culture with "Newk’s Cares"</h2>Modern consumers, as well as Newk’s employees, want to be part of something bigger. Through "Newk’s Cares," the brand has raised more than $2.5 million and significant awareness for ovarian cancer research. This commitment to local communities creates a deep emotional connection. It has also helped build a unique culture that helps franchisees attract and retain high-quality staff despite the Great Resignation.<h2>10. Prime Territory Availability</h2>While Newk’s is an established leader, it nevertheless remains in a development sweet spot. With only 28 current franchisees and plenty of open territory available in key growth markets, now is the time for multi-unit operators to secure the best markets before they sell out. With five more openings slated for 2026, Newk’s momentum is undeniable.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/">https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery/</a>.

Photo of exterior of Newk's Eatery location

With an average unit volume of $2.2 million and a refined 20-year operational playbook, Newk’s Eatery offers multi-unit franchisees a scalable, scratch-made model backed by FSC Franchise Co.

How Newk’s Eatery’s Seasoned Leadership Team is Driving $2.3 Million AUVs

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