Newk’s Eatery, the fast-casual restaurant known for its culinary-driven menu and open kitchen, announced its newest franchise partner, Stephen Kuehler, who will lead the chain’s expansion into the San Antonio area.
Kuehler joins the Newk’s team with 30 years of experience in the food industry throughout the U.S. and Europe. He held several leadership positions at Daymon Worldwide, the leading full-service global network for developing brands and driving sales.
Kuehler will open his first Newk’s in New Braunfels at the corner of Town Center Drive and Creekside Way in the Town Center at Creekside. He plans to open two additional restaurants in north San Antonio and the surrounding area.
“I experienced Newk’s unique, warm environment and hospitality while visiting the chain’s first location in Jackson,” Kuehler says. “I came out of retirement to start a second career because I saw the possibilities for the brand, and I know San Antonio will love Newk’s high-quality service and fresh, culinary-driven focus.”
The San Antonio and New Braunfels locations are part of Newk’s growth plans that include opening nearly 30 company-owned and franchised locations this year. The chain currently has 77 units in 13 states, predominantly in the Southeast.
“Expanding our Texas footprint is an important piece of our overall growth plan,” says Newk’s chief development officer Chris Cheek. “Moving into the San Antonio market has been a high priority, and we’re looking forward to working with Stephen to bring Newk’s to the area.”
The concept has attracted guests and franchisees alike, and the chain plans to expand to more than 200 units by 2018.
