Newk’s Eatery – one of the fastest growing fast-casual restaurant brands in today’s market— has named Michael Clock the chain’s new Chief Financial Officer. Providing key financial leadership during a period of high growth, Clock will closely manage Newk’s financial trajectory, deliver crucial brand support and guide financial communications for Newk’s Eatery’s system-wide operations as the company gears up to nearly double in size by 2019. This aggressive growth plan will see the brand expanding from its current 103 locations in 13 states to approximately 200 units within three years’ time.
“As a career-long financial leader in the restaurant industry, Mike is a valuable addition to the Newk’s team as we turn the next page of this landmark chapter of growth,” said Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Eatery Co-Founder and CEO. “His insight, expertise and passion for the food industry make him a perfect fit for Newk’s.”
Michael Clock joins the Newk’s team with more than 23 years of experience in the accounting and finance fields—22 years of which were spent in the restaurant industry. Prior to Newk’s, Clock most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for Good Smoke Restaurant Group— the parent company for two long-standing barbecue brands, Dinosaur BBQ and Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ. He also served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Le Duff America Inc., recognized by many as the second largest bakery-café company in North America. Additionally, Clock has held leadership roles with Carlson Restaurants Worldwide and T.G.I. Fridays where he oversaw the successful consolidation of more than 500 company-owned and franchised locations.
In the early stages of his career, Clock additionally worked as the supervising controller for HSC Hospitality, while also helping manage the financial health and direction of S&A Restaurant Corporation and Crow Family Holdings as the companies’ accountant.
Joining a support team built on a foundation of shared values collectively dubbed the “Newk’s Culture”—including an unyielding commitment to quality, hospitality, attention to detail and passion both inside and outside the kitchen—Clock’s Texan roots and seasoned work ethic have melded seamlessly with this Southern-made brand. Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery’s leadership team provides critical operational support and strategic counsel to its more than 5,000-member employee base, which includes franchisees, in-house managers and hourly partners across its more than 100 locations.
Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is leading the next generation of fast casual with its culinary-driven menu prepared in Newk’s open-view kitchens, featuring made-from-scratch soups, fresh tossed salads, artisan pizzas, hot toasted sandwiches and desserts. Founded in 2004, Newk’s currently operates and franchises more than 100 units in 13 states and is gaining national attention for its accelerated growth and commitment to community. The newest Newk’s restaurants feature a “Generation 2” design, presenting a fresh, on-trend look for the brand while maintaining the company’s signature warmth and open-view kitchen. FastCasual.com named Newk’s among its Top 50 “Movers and Shakers” in 2015 and 2016, while Franchise Times magazine ranked Newk’s among its top “Fast and Serious” franchise brands for the second year in a row, and Technomic listed Newk’s in its Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. Also recently, the brand was named among NRN’s Top 200 and Top 5 Fastest-Growing Chains, along with Restaurant Business’ Top 40 Fast-Casual Chains. For more information, visit Newks.com, join the Roundtable Club or follow Newk’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
