Company inks 15-unit development agreement with Southeast Restaurant Group
Newk’s Eatery, the fast-casual restaurant known for its culinary-driven menu and open kitchens, has announced a new development agreement with New Orleans-based Southeast Restaurant Group, founded by Elie Khoury. The veteran operator of franchise and independent restaurants plans to open 15 Newk’s locations throughout Southern Louisiana and in Houston.
With the new agreement, Southeast Restaurant Group becomes Newk’s largest franchisee. SRG is currently a franchisee of TGI Fridays and Chevys Fresh Mex, operating restaurants in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. It also operates its own concepts including a Mediterranean-style restaurant in the Miami area, a Creole-inspired restaurant in New Orleans, and The Round House Bar & Grill, located in the Holiday Inn Hotels owned by its affiliate, KFK Group.
“Southeast Restaurant Group has an outstanding reputation for excellent operations that will fuel our growth plans,” said Newk’s Chief Development Officer Chris Cheek. “This agreement reflects our commitment to teaming with proven operators and delivering the best possible service to Newk’s valued guests.”
Newk’s will open nearly 30 new company-owned and franchised locations this year, with plans to reach 200 units by 2018. The concept has attracted guests and franchisees alike, and SRG is the fourth new franchisee signing in 2015.
SRG plans to open its first Newk’s in Louisiana sometime early next year.
“Newk’s is a forward-thinking franchise concept designed for the way people eat today, and adds a fast casual element to our restaurant portfolio,” said Khoury. “We have strong ties to the markets we will develop for Newk’s and plan to make it a great success throughout the Gulf Coast region.”
For more than 10 years, Newk’s has served made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and California-style pizzas, using fresh and flavorful ingredients. Its service-oriented staff delivers lunch to the table or to the office with the company’s robust catering program.
For more information on franchise opportunities, go to www.newks.com/franchise.
Southeast Restaurant Group (SRG) was founded in 1998 and is a sister company of the KFK Group. SRG has a long history in the restaurant business and is continuously assessing new opportunities for growth. SRG focuses on providing the best experience for its restaurant patrons as well as its employees and support staff. SRG operates restaurants in seven states spanning from Texas to Florida, including 23 TGI Fridays.
