Newk's is growing

[spuwho]

I met the original Jacksonville Newk's franchise owner of all places, Corner Bakery! before he retired and sold out. Nice couple, they really enjoyed what they were doing. They have been trying to get a Newk's out at the beach for over a year with no luck. They find the square footage but can't get enough parking to go with it has been the biggest issue.

The JBJ has the report:

Fast casual chain Newk's plans to expand presence in Northeast Florida

Mississippi-based fast casual restaurant Newk's Eatery is planning to gear up its presence in Northeast Florida – starting with the acquisition of two of its Jacksonville franchises.

Newk's, which has two locations on Southside Boulevard and Max Leggett Parkway, decided to take over the locations when the owner of the franchises retired. Its upcoming location in Mandarin, which is planning to open by the end of the year or in early January, will also be owned by the company.

Newk's will have three locations in Jacksonville by the beginning of 2016.

The acquisitions come at a time when Newk's, founded by the same family as McAlister's Deli, is ramping up its Florida strategy. The restaurant has targeted the Southeast and, specifically, Florida, for the bulk of its growth, and plans to operate between 7 to 9 restaurants in the region, according to Chief Development Officer Chris Cheek.

"It made sense for us to step into the Jacksonville market, acquire the existing restaurants and build more," Cheek said.
Cheek said the company is looking to build restaurants in areas with high visibility, like the St. Johns Town Center, first. It fits into Newk's larger expansion plan: Putting new restaurants in "marquee" areas to build brand awareness.
"We want to make sure our restaurants are in a great retail area, but it also depends on where we are," Cheek said. "We want to make sure that we're visible and guests can see us."

Newk's is also looking at sites in Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park and St. Augustine. Cheek said St. Augustine seemed like a particularly good possibility, with shopping centers that meet the restaurant's needs.

Northeast Florida is a major part of Newk's overall strategy throughout the state. The restaurant is also expanding rapidly in the Tampa Bay area, where a franchisee has committed to 11 locations, and South Florida, with new restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County. Newk's is also targeting the Orlando area, which will include a location in Daytona Beach.

"Florida should be one of our most penetrated markets," Cheek said.