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July 02.2025

2 Minutes Read

Chris Cheek Returns to Newk’s Eatery: Transforming Restaurant Growth Strategy

Name: Andrew Shuman Consulting
Address: 11005 Newbridge Drive, Riverview, Florida
Telephone: (941) 226-3762

A New Chapter for Newk's Eatery: Chris Cheek's Return

Newk’s Eatery, a fast-casual brand beloved for its scratch-made food, is ushering in a new era with the return of Chris Cheek as Chief Development Officer. Cheek, a pivotal figure in the brand's impressive growth from 2014 to 2019, brings back a wealth of experience and a fresh vision for franchise development and site selection.

Harnessing Past Success for Future Growth

During his initial tenure, Cheek helped double the number of Newk's locations, leading to its transformation into a recognizable name in the fast-casual segment. With a keen understanding of the operations and the brand's unique offerings, such as their scratch-made salad dressings and superior protein selection, he is well-equipped to expand the brand's footprints even further.

Seizing Opportunities in the Restaurant Landscape

Now, as part of the FSC Franchise Co. portfolio alongside brands like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Cheek sees unparalleled potential in small and mid-sized markets across the U.S. Despite nearly hitting the 100-restaurant mark, he notes there remains significant 'white space' ripe for development, especially in regions east of the Mississippi. His strategy involves not only recruiting new franchisees but also enhancing support for existing partners.

Adaptability: Key to Franchise Growth

One of the standout features of Newk's evolution under Cheek is adaptability. The brand now excels in converting different types of real estate, including former IHOP spaces into vibrant Newk’s locations within weeks. This flexibility enables them to capture diverse market opportunities—a hallmark trait for modern-day franchises.

The Flavor of Success

What sets Newk’s apart is not just its menu but the experience it offers. “We serve proteins others won’t touch,” Cheek emphasizes, recalling their success with shrimp and salmon in a fast-casual setting. He believes this commitment to quality translates to a more satisfying guest experience, benefiting both patrons and franchisees.

As Chris Cheek re-embarks on his journey with Newk's Eatery, restaurant owners can take note of his innovative strategies and the brand's modern approach to growth. With a dynamic leadership team at the helm and a clear roadmap for the future, Newk's is poised to set new trends in the food service industry.

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Chris Cheek Returns to Newk’s Eatery: Transforming Restaurant Growth Strategy

A New Chapter for Newk's Eatery: Chris Cheek's Return

Harnessing Past Success for Future Growth

Seizing Opportunities in the Restaurant Landscape

Adaptability: Key to Franchise Growth

The Flavor of Success

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