Jackson, Mississippi–based Newk’s Eatery offers the next generation of fast-casual dining. Its signature components of a scratch-made approach to the menu, open kitchen, a roundtable offering free, gourmet condiments along with great unit level economics will serve as a base for future growth. Its new Generation Two design reflects the chain’s mission to serve the finest ingredients with the utmost hospitality in an upscale environment.

The Generation Two design features a number of improvements. Pendant lightning and plush upholstery emphasize Newk’s position as an upscale fast-casual brand. A new floor plan offers increased intimacy in the seating areas, and the design takes into consideration the cost of upgrading older restaurants—a very important consideration as the chain plans to retrofit many of its existing units, the majority of which are franchised. The leadership team hopes the design plans will fuel growth while keeping build-out costs minimal.

The dining area is built around the signature roundtable, where guests can customize their meals with complimentary toppings and add-ons such as condiments, sweet pickles, oven-roasted garlic, breadsticks, and other items.

The food is not the only good thing Newk’s has going. The Franchise Disclosure Document shows that company stores open at least a year had an average unit volume of $2,561,867. The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Newk’s restaurant franchise is $792,000–$1,151,000, and the FDD also discloses expense structure for corporate restaurants and can be obtained during franchise candidate discovery process.

As a result of a record year in 2015 for new franchisee signings—which added almost 60 new restaurant commitments—Newk’s will be entering many new markets over the next three years, such as Denver, Houston, San Antonio, and Tampa–St. Petersburg, Florida. It will also intensify corporate growth in 2016 and is targeting Dallas; Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Newk’s has a flexible menu designed for timeless appeal with three primary components: toasted sandwiches, fresh tossed salads, and artisan pizzas. These were chosen to provide maximum adaptability to changing costs, tastes, and regional preferences.

Newk’s is looking for experienced franchise owners with a track record of success opening and running multiple-unit foodservice operations. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 3 years of experience, and will be financially and operationally capable of developing at least 3–5 Newk’s Eatery locations. Franchise candidate must have at least $1.5 million in liquid assets—meaning cash, stocks, bonds, or other easily liquid assets.

Those who meet these requirements and who join the Newk’s team as franchise owners will be in good company. They’ll receive the benefits of being part of a highly experienced team that is geared for growth. They’ll be equipped with the systems and procedures they need to launch and grow quickly. And they’ll have the support and guidance of a team that understands their needs, and the tools they need to introduce the innovative Newk’s Eatery brand into their markets and to continue to build their business for years to come.

For more information about franchising opportunities with Newk’s Eatery, visit www.Newks.com