On November 2, the Columbia, South Carolina, food scene will be getting a new addition with the opening of the city’s first Newk’s Eatery near the University of South Carolina (USC) campus. Known for its delivery of bold flavor, fresh ingredients, and unmatched hospitality, the rapidly growing fast-casual brand’s newest Columbia restaurant will be the third Newk’s Eatery in the state, including locations in Rock Hill and Summerville.
In support of a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of Newk’s franchisee Pam Corn and her late husband Chris Corn, a percentage of grand opening day sales will be donated to the Ray Tanner Foundation, along with additional donations accepted in-store. Founded by USC Athletics director Ray Tanner and his wife Karen, the Ray Tanner Foundation works to bring life and hope to children and their families who are economically and medically disadvantaged. Collected donations will be presented to the Ray Tanner Foundation during a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce on November 13 at 11 a.m.
“An ever-growing foodie hot spot at the heart of the Palmetto State, the Columbia market is one that’s ripe with potential for Newk’s,” says Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Eatery’s cofounder and CEO. “We believe our re-thinking of fast-casual—with an emphasis on dynamic flavor, supremely fresh ingredients and creative, homemade recipes—will appeal to Columbia’s families, downtown workers, food enthusiasts, and die-hard Gamecock community.”
Newk’s Eatery has earned a reputation for creating memorable food experiences for its diners with signature entrées meticulously prepared in its open-view kitchens. Newk’s made-from-scratch menu boasts a wide range of imaginative entrées and re-invented old favorites, including time-tested family recipes from Newk’s founding family, the Newcombs. Sourcing the finest, freshest ingredients—including imported cheeses and prime meats, hand-chopped seasonal vegetables, house-roasted garlic, homemade dressings, and house-infused olive oils— Newk’s guarantees every meal is served fresh and served fast. The fast-casual restaurant handcrafts its fresh-tossed salads, artisan pizzas, hot toasted sandwiches, kettle batch soups, and scratch-made desserts—also offering a selection of wine and beer in-house.
Located at 707A Gervais Street roughly one mile from the USC campus, Newk’s Columbia restaurant will offer indoor dining for 158 guests and patio dining for nearly 110 more in its 5,100 square-foot space. Sunday through Thursday, the restaurant’s doors will be open from 10:45 a.m. to 9 p.m., while guests can enjoy themselves at Newk’s for an extra hour on weekends with an extended 10 p.m. closing time. The restaurant will provide job opportunities for roughly 80 applicants within the area.
The Jackson, Mississippi–based Newk’s Eatery currently has more than 85 locations in 13 states and plans to expand to more than 200 units by the end of 2018. Newk’s Eatery has been named one of QSR magazine’s “Best Franchise Deals.”
