Newk’s Eatery, a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant brand known for its fresh, flavorful dining, has named Robert Nygren the brand’s new Chief Financial Officer.
“After an extensive search for our new CFO, we are thrilled to bring Bob on board Newk’s leadership team,” said Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Eatery Co-Founder and CEO. “Bob has a proven track record of supporting the development and operational health of leading restaurant brands through smart financial leadership. We know he will do the same for Newk’s and are excited for both the energy and expertise he brings to the brand.”
In his new position, Nygren will provide key leadership and strategic policy advice for Newk’s Eatery’s system-wide financial operations as the brand continues to roll out a large-scale growth plan to more than double in size over the next three years. The Jackson, Miss.-based Newk’s Eatery currently has more than 80 locations in 13 states and plans to expand to more than 200 units by the end of 2018.
Nygren comes to Newk’s with nearly two decades of financial management experience for leading restaurant companies, including Yum! Brands, NPC International and DineEquity, Inc. He most recently served as Vice President of Finance for DineEquity, the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, overseeing financial planning, analytics and strategy for Applebee’s and IHOP in conjunction with the brands’ operational and development objectives. He also served as the key finance liaison with DineEquity’s franchise partners. Prior to joining DineEquity, Nygren served as Senior Director of Finance for NPC International, the largest franchise operator of Pizza Hut restaurants, assuming a hands-on role in the company’s multi-million dollar acquisition and disposition of restaurants, investor relations activities, business analytics and more.
Newk’s Eatery has been named among FastCasual.com’s top 20 “Movers and Shakers” and is featured on Technomic’s list of top 50 fast-casual chains nationwide, while ranking among the top “Fast and Serious” franchise brands in Franchise Times magazine. The brand was also recently named one of QSR magazine’s “Best Franchise Deals.”
For more information about Newk’s, visit Newks.com or Newk’s Facebook page.
Based in Jackson, Miss., 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 80 units in 13 states and is gaining national attention for its accelerated growth and commitment to community. FastCasual.com has named Newk’s one of its top 20 “Movers and Shakers,” while Franchise Times magazine ranked Newk’s among its top Fast and Serious franchise brands and Technomic listed Newk’s among its top 50 U.S. fast-casual chains. The brand was also recently named among “The Next 20” by Nation’s Restaurant News and one of QSR magazine’s “Best Franchise Deals.” For more information, visit Newks.com, join the Roundtable Club or follow Newk’s on Facebook and Twitter.
