The restaurant industry is a dynamic and competitive space, where innovation and adaptation are the keys to success and growth. In a recent episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, Jeremy Julian, the Chief Revenue Officer at CBS Northstar, sat down with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk’s Eatery, to dive into the secrets behind the brand’s continued growth and innovation.
Meet Frank Paci, CEO of Newk’s Eatery
Frank Paci brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at major brands like Burger King, Pizza Hut, McAllister’s Deli, and Corner Bakery. He shares his passion for the restaurant business and how Newk’s Eatery, founded by the Newcomb family in Jackson, Mississippi, has carved its niche as a fast-casual dining staple.
The Origin and Growth of Newk’s Eatery
Newk’s traces its roots back to the Newcomb family’s vision of integrating better elements from their previous creations, resulting in a menu that boasts sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizzas. With nearly a hundred locations primarily in the Southeast, Newk’s is known for offering a blend of both dining-in and off-premise experiences.
The Dining Experience at Newk’s
Newk’s positions itself as a fast-casual restaurant with a unique dining experience. Customers order at the counter and enjoy table-delivered meals. A highlight is their famous 32-ounce seasonally rotating stadium cups and a selection of complimentary breadsticks and condiments, enriching the taste of freshly prepared food.
Menu Highlights and Innovations
Pizzas have been pivotal in driving Newk’s evening sales, with innovative pairings allowing consumers to enjoy their meals at great value. Frank Paci explains that while pizza is a significant part of their menu, the key is maintaining top-tier food quality across all offerings, a core value that’s facilitated by streamlined operations and premium ingredients.
Operational Simplifications and Quality Control
At Newk’s, simplicity in operations is key to maintaining quality amidst high staff turnover. The absence of microwaves, reliance on conveyor ovens, and meticulous ingredient selection result in consistently fresh and flavorful meals. Innovative steps like simplifying recipes have curbed waste significantly, enabling better resource allocation.
Adapting to COVID-19 and Evolving Business Strategies
COVID-19 prompted a shift in Newk’s business model, leaning more heavily towards off-premise dining. The pandemic underscored the importance of adapting the business to changing consumer dynamics, leading to sustained off-premise sales and a richer dine-in experience post-pandemic.
Catering Business and Its Challenges
Catering represents a substantial part of Newk’s business model, with strategic partnerships like those with ezCater boosting their reach. Frank highlights innovation in product development and effective use of third-party delivery services to meet consumer demand and maintain profitable catering operations.
Technology and Future Growth
Technological investment is a cornerstone of Newk’s accessibility strategy. By integrating kiosks and mobile ordering, Newk’s enhances guest convenience and aligns with modern consumer preferences. Frank Paci emphasizes making the brand accessible through varied sales channels without complicating staff operations.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Looking ahead, Newk’s Eatery aims to extend its brand presence through strategic franchise partnerships. Focusing on contiguous growth around its existing markets, the brand appeals to potential partners looking to tap into the booming fast-casual segment.
Frank’s personal recommendation? The Newk’s Q Pizza, born from customer creativity, perfectly embodies the brand’s innovative spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned customer or new to the brand, Frank recommends trying the Newk’s Q or the Newk’s favorite salad for a true taste of the brand.
Newk’s Eatery continues to evolve within the ever-changing landscape of the restaurant industry, driven by seasoned leadership and a commitment to quality and innovation. For those interested in joining this growing brand as a franchise partner, Newk’s offers exciting opportunities to become part of their expansion journey. Visit Newks.com to learn more about franchising opportunities and indulge in the unique dining experience that Newk’s has perfected over the years.
