Newk’s Eatery is planning a return to the Charlotte market amid a push toward expanding the brand.
CEO Frank Paci said they are aiming to bring up to 10 locations to the Greater Charlotte area. Currently, there is no set timeline for the expansion, as Paci said they are seeking franchisees in the area.
Newk’s is not brand new to the Charlotte area. There were previously three franchisee-operated locations in the Charlotte area in uptown, south Charlotte and Rock Hill. However, the three spots closed down in 2019.
“We had restaurants there in the past,” Paci said. “They actually did attractive volumes at the time, but we had some challenges with the franchisee.”
For a period of time, Newk’s was looking into acquiring the Charlotte locations as corporate-owned spots — which make up about 30% of the brand. However, the decision was ultimately not possible for the brand at the time.
Paci, who has been the CEO of Newk’s for three years, is eager to return to the Charlotte market and he expects the brand to do well there, based on past success at their locations as well as the success of competitors’ brands. McAlister’s Deli, for example, also serves sandwiches, soups and salads. It has six Charlotte locations and has seen success in the area.
“I really believe there’s a great opportunity for the Newk’s brand there,” Paci said.
Newk’s was first founded in 2004 in Mississippi by the Newcomb family. It currently has 98 locations across 12 states, with more locations currently under development.
The menu consists of sandwiches, soups and salads, including popular items like the Newk’s Q sandwich and the salmon caesar salad. Newk’s also serves pizza, which Paci believes sets them apart as a brand. This has allowed them to offer family deals like two regular pizzas and a full caesar salad for about $20.
“Trying to do great quality food at a reasonable price is where we position the brand,” Paci said.
