Newk’s Eatery, the fast-casual restaurant known for its culinary-driven menu and open kitchen, is expanding to Columbia, South Carolina, in partnership with its newest franchisees, Chris and Pam Corn.
The husband-and-wife team are experienced retailers, and Chris Corn is a University of South Carolina alumnus. The Corns will open their first Newk’s in City Market in the Vista at 707 Gervais Street in late 2015 and have plans to open two additional locations in Columbia and the surrounding area.
“Newk’s is a growing brand that’s changing the fast-casual experience with a culinary-driven menu, locally sourced ingredients and top-notch hospitality,” says Chris Corn. “It's the perfect fit for the vibrant Columbia community.”
The announcement is part of Newk’s growth plans that include opening nearly 30 new company-owned and franchised locations in 2015. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, the chain currently has 77 units in 13 states, predominantly in the Southeast.
“Columbia has always been a target market for Newk’s, and now we have an experienced partner who knows and cares deeply about the community,” says Newk’s chief development officer Chris Cheek. “It’s a recipe for success.”
Dubbed “second-generation fast casual,” Newk’s serves up fresh tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups, and homemade cakes, all hand-prepared in its open kitchen. Its service-oriented staff delivers lunch to the table or to the office with the company’s robust catering program. The chain plans to expand to more than 200 units by 2018.
