Newk’s Eatery, 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.
"Raleigh-Durham represents exactly the kind of market we look for as we grow our footprint," said Chris Cheek, 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."
In WalletHub’s 2026 rankings, 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 also growing steadily. 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.
Raleigh has a variety of restaurant spaces 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.”
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 https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.
Newk’s Eatery
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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, 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.
"Raleigh-Durham represents exactly the kind of market we look for as we grow our footprint," said Chris Cheek, 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."
In WalletHub’s 2026 rankings, 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 also growing steadily. 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.
Raleigh has a variety of restaurant spaces 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.”
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 https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.
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