Wright has 30 years of franchising, marketing, and management experience and comes to Newk’s from The Krystal Company, where he served as the vice president of franchising and later became the executive vice president of administration, overseeing the company’s general council, human resources, menu development, and marketing departments.

 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Newk’s Eatery team,” Wright says. “I’m eager to use my franchising experience to drive consumer loyalty and company performance to exceed our planned sales goals and help build Newk’s into the best fresh casual brand in the marketplace.”

 

Wright’s hire comes shortly after Newk’s announces a rebranding initiative including an updated logo and a new name – Newk’s Eatery – replacing Newk’s Express Café.

 

“Alan will make an outstanding addition to the Newk’s Eatery team,” says Chris Newcomb, founder and CEO of Newk’s Franchise Company. “After eight years in business, the Newk’s brand is growing and maturing, and we think that Alan will be a great asset as we expand across the country and grow in a new direction.”

 

Newk’s Eatery provides a fresh casual dining experience and features a variety of made-to-order choices including fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups, and homemade cakes baked by Newk’s Bakery Company. A selection of wines by the glass and beer is also available at select locations.

 

Since opening its first location in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2004, Newk’s Eatery has expanded their presence to 11 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Newk's has 52 restaurants open, 45 of which are franchised. Five new restaurants opened in 2010; 15 in 2011; and seven in 2012. Projections call for 15 restaurants to open in 2013.