Newk’s Eatery is closely examining the Phoenix metro as it plans for growth in 2026, with Chandler and Scottsdale among the strongest opportunities. With more than 1.5 million households across the broader market and zero existing Newk’s locations, the region represents a true ground-floor opportunity. Even more compelling, the area currently has the capacity to open up to 21 Newk’s locations.

“This is exactly the kind of market we look for: large, growing and still wide open for a brand like ours,” said Chris Cheek, Chief Development Officer. “There’s a real opportunity for the right franchisee to come in early, establish the brand and build meaningful market share over time.”

Chandler and Scottsdale: Growth, Demographics and Demand

While Phoenix as a whole continues to expand, the East Valley (particularly Chandler and Scottsdale) stands out for its combination of population growth, strong household incomes and a steady influx of professionals and families.

These communities align closely with Newk’s core customer base: guests who value quality, convenience and a comfortable dining experience that goes beyond typical fast casual offerings.

“When you look at areas like Chandler and Scottsdale, you see exactly the type of demographic profile we perform well in,” Cheek said. “You’ve got busy professionals, families and community-driven consumers who are looking for better everyday dining options. That’s where Newk’s thrives.”

Built for Suburban and Lifestyle-Oriented Markets

Newk’s Eatery’s flexible format and menu positioning make it a natural fit for the Phoenix market’s suburban and lifestyle-driven dining patterns.

With a focus on scratch-made salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, the brand serves a wide range of occasions, from quick weekday lunches to family dinners and catering for offices and events.

"Phoenix residents are active and constantly on the move, but they don't want to compromise on quality," Cheek said. "Our model allows franchisees to capture demand across several channels while delivering the elevated guest experience Newk’s is known for." 

Newk’s is also seeing more demand for catering and delivery, which gives the brand another advantage in a market where convenience matters to how people choose where to eat.

Strong Economics Designed for Today’s Operators

Newk’s expansion into Phoenix is backed by a model that has been refined to support franchisee success.

The brand has reduced its prototype footprint to as small as 2,800 square feet, allowing for greater flexibility in site selection across endcap, inline and drive-thru formats. Combined with an average unit volume of approximately $2.3 million, this right-sized approach positions Newk’s competitively within the fast casual category.

“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.”

A Ground-Floor Opportunity in a High-Growth Market

Newk’s is entering the Phoenix conversation after a busy 2025. The brand signed 10 franchise deals, opened five locations and moved into new markets and formats, including a college campus location.

“We’ve spent the past year making sure the system is ready for the next stage of growth,” Cheek said. “That work gives us a stronger foundation as we look at markets like Phoenix, where the right franchisee can come in early and build real local presence.”

For experienced operators, the Phoenix, Chandler and Scottsdale region offers the rare combination of scale, demographics and whitespace, all within a major U.S. metro that continues to grow. With no existing locations, franchisees have the opportunity to define the market, build brand awareness and develop multiple units over time.

“This is not a saturated market for us, it’s a blank canvas,” Cheek said. “We’re looking for franchise partners who want to come in, take ownership of their market and grow with us in a thoughtful, strategic way.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/newks-eatery.