With menu transparency and healthy alternatives at the core of today’s consumer demands, Newk’s Eatery,a fast-casual restaurant brand focused on fresh, flavorful eating is replacing the standard bread choice for five of its guest-favorite sandwiches with a new clean label 11-grain wheat bread starting August 1. Freshly baked with no artificial colorants or preservatives and high in fiber, the 11-grain bread is a toasted blend of quinoa, rolled oats, rye, buckwheat, rolled and cracked wheat, millet, sorghum, amaranth, corn grits, rice flour, and barley, along with sesame and flax seeds.

“Our signature bread has always been our French Parisian bread, which many guests have loved for how solidly it complements the other flavors in a meal, but we’ve been searching for a health-conscious, whole grain alternative that will complement our menu in much the same way,” says Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Eatery’s co-founder and CEO. “Our new 11-grain wheat bread is part of an ongoing focus that’s at the heart of our brand to make sure people have healthy alternatives at Newk’s Eatery.”

The five sandwiches debuting on August 1 on the new 11-grain wheat bread include the Chicken Salad, Turkey Breast, Pesto Chicken, Vegetarian Club, and Turkey Avocado Sandwiches. The Turkey Avocado Sandwich is returning as a permanent menu item after first launching as a limited time offer in 2014. These “Chosen Five” were unanimously hand-picked by a team of culinary experts after sampling each of Newk’s sandwiches on both French Parisian bread and 11-grain wheat bread.

“After a great deal of testing, we selected the 11-grain wheat bread as the mainstay for five of our core sandwiches because of how significantly the wheat bread enhances both the flavor and quality of each entrée, particularly our Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is one of our bestsellers,” says Alan Wright, Newk’s Eatery’s chief marketing officer. “It’s all about making sure guests get the most out of their meals and know what they’re eating.”

Beyond these five entrées, the 11-grain wheat bread can be substituted for any whole or half sandwich, Little Newk’s sandwich, or soup bread. A full sandwich includes close to 30 percent of the daily recommended serving of fiber. Newk’s is also in the process of removing artificial colorants and preservatives from its French Parisian bread.

In line with its commitment to fresh, flavorful eating, Newk’s sources the freshest ingredients available, including imported cheeses and prime meats, hand-chopped seasonal vegetables, house-roasted garlic, and homemade dressings. The brand’s menu features a range of handcrafted options, including tossed salads, toasted sandwiches, artisan pizzas, homemade soups, and desserts, all made in Newk’s signature open-view kitchens.

Menu Innovations, News, Sandwiches, Newk's Eatery