Newk’s Eatery will celebrate its 10^th anniversary by opening a new store in Midtown Little Rock, Arkansas. The Park Avenue location opens Monday, April 14, and will be the 10^th company-owned store in the 68-restaurant chain.

“Over the last 10 years, Newk’s has solidified its position in the Southeast,” says Chris Newcomb, president and CEO of the franchise restaurant concept. “Now, as we begin contiguous expansion into other regions, Little Rock plays a vital role as our anchor and gateway into the Lower Midwest.”

In addition to celebrating the opening of its third restaurant in the Central Arkansas region, Newk’s is marking the 10^th anniversary of the franchise brand, which started as a locally owned sandwich shop in Oxford, Mississippi. The original restaurant concept opened in February 2004 and its first franchise location opened the following year. To date, Newk’s Eatery has opened 67 stores in 13 states and plans to continue this progression by opening a total of 200 restaurants by 2019.

Newk’s Eatery will open across from Target in Park Avenue. With Newk’s Eatery locations in Hot Springs, North Little Rock, and Jonesboro, the Midtown restaurant is Newk’s fourth Arkansas location. The company selected the Midtown Little Rock location because the mixed-use lifestyle center fits with the company’s casual restaurant concept, where fresh, healthy meals are served in a family-friendly, upscale dining room. The Park Avenue location offers indoor and outdoor seating for up to 160 guests.

As part of the grand opening celebration, the Park Avenue restaurant will contribute all guests’ donations to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. On opening day, the first 10 guests will receive a $25 gift certificate in celebration of the company’s 10^th anniversary and 10^th company-owned restaurant.