Newk’s Eatery: A Family-Founded Kitchen Since 20024

Newk’s is at a meaningful inflection point. Several years of post-Covid, the brand is targeting its first period of net positive unit growth supported by refreshed leadership, improved operational focus and a more defined brand position. Under FSC’s portfolio strategy, Newk’s has been clearly positioned as a premium fast-casual brand, designed for teams, gatherings, catering occasions and community-driven dining.

This renewed clarity is paired with tangible momentum. With category-leading average unit volumes, open territory in high-potential markets and increased investment in marketing and brand awareness, Newk’s offers franchisees the opportunity to grow alongside a brand that is rebuilding with intention rather than chasing speed.

Awards and Recognition

Newk’s has operated in the Southeast for more than 20 years and continues to post average unit volumes that compare favorably within fast-casual. In 2024, the brand was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News. The system operates under FSC Franchise Co., which provides franchise and operational support.

Expected to reach $301.6 billion by 2032, the fast-casual industry works because it gives people better food without the time or cost of full service. Guests can dine in, order ahead or feed a group, all from the same kitchen. Newk’s operates primarily during lunch and early dinner, which keeps staffing manageable and allows operators to run a high-volume business without late-night hours.

At the same time, the brand’s ability to serve dine-in, carryout, digital ordering and catering positions it to capture multiple revenue streams without the complexity of full-service dining.

Newk’s succeeds by doing the basics well. Food is prepared in-house, portions are built to satisfy, and service is rooted in real hospitality, with an open-kitchen format that reinforces quality. Rather than competing solely on speed or price, Newk’s is carving out space around feeding people together. Its menu, strong catering mix and team-friendly offerings allow the brand to own moments that many competitors overlook, from post-practice meals to game-day gatherings and community events.

Franchisees consistently point to the culture and support structure behind the brand. From pre-opening assistance through ongoing operational guidance, Newk’s emphasizes partnership over transaction. Franchise owners benefit from shared services across FSC’s portfolio, including marketing, technology, purchasing and training, which allow them to focus on execution at the store level.

Just as importantly, many franchisees entered the system as loyal guests. Their belief in the food, the service model and the people behind the brand often becomes the foundation for long-term ownership and multi-unit growth.

Newk’s is built for franchisees who want to be actively involved in their business and embedded in their community. The brand is seeking operators who are hospitality-driven, system-oriented and financially prepared to grow responsibly over time. Many of the strongest candidates bring prior restaurant or multi-unit business experience, local market knowledge and a long-term mindset around development.

Rather than absentee ownership, Newk’s favors franchisees who want to lead teams, develop people and become recognizable faces in their market. The goal is not just to open stores, but to build lasting neighborhood businesses.