As the fast-casual dining market continues to flourish, #10 of 27 places to eat in New York stands out as a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by savvy entrepreneurs. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s embodies the belief that there should be a little bit more in every bite. This commitment to fresh, high-quality food full of flavor, combined with a strong franchise support system and streamlined operations, has resulted in a particularly attractive investment opportunity, with locations recording average unit volumes of a whopping $2.4 million and the top 33% recording 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 Pace, CEO of Newk’s Eatery. “This 20-year-old brand has an amazing family-run heritage, but we have continually improved the business model and operations and there has truly never been a better time to join our franchise.”

A legacy of quality and freshness

Founded in 2004 by Chris “Newcomb” Newcomb, Newk’s is known for its diverse menu of salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all prepared without the use of a fryer or microwave. The concept has expanded to over 90 locations in 12 states over the past two decades and has received various awards for the quality of its food.

“Our strategic positioning is focused on providing the best tasting food in the fast casual segment,” said Paci. “Each location prepares fresh ingredients daily, ensuring that every meal meets the highest quality standards. In a world of fast food, frozen patties and fried chicken, people expect more from 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, we have managed to maintain strong performance across all of our sites.”

At the end of 2023, Newk’s became a sister company of FSC franchise companies, the parent company of Restaurant La Casa 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 operational support and more.

Why invest in a Newk’s Eatery franchise in 2024?

Today, Newk’s Eatery offers entrepreneurs several compelling reasons to invest here. But one of the most important reasons is probably profit. “Our locations have really shown strong performance – our average unit volume (AUV) is $2.4 million,” Paci said. “We’re very proud of that.”

So how does the brand achieve these impressive numbers? For one thing, Paci says, it’s because of the diversity of revenue streams. “Newk’s has a robust out-of-store business, with about 55% of revenue coming from takeout, delivery and catering. Additionally, by offering pizza on our menu, we tend to have a stronger dinner share than many fast-casual brands,” he said. “The ability for franchisees to generate revenue during the day and evening provides a solid foundation for sustainable growth.”

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

Newk’s also recently released a new, smaller prototype that gives franchisees the flexibility to expand their presence in different markets. Locations can be in a row or offer drive-thru service in end areas. 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 plans to add approximately 10 new franchisees in the next year.

Newk’s is looking for franchisees who are more than just investors — they are passionate about the brand and committed to operational excellence. The ideal franchisee is someone with experience in fast-casual, quick-service or casual dining who wants to expand 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 the restaurant industry, understands the importance of quality, and is committed to making Newk’s a local favorite in the communities it serves. With our exceptional support model, high volumes, and simplified operating 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 presence and bring its exceptional dining experience to more communities.

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