Fast-casual chain names DineEquity exec as CFO

Jackson, Miss. -- The fast-growing Newk’s Eatery named Robert Nygren as CFO.



Nygren comes to Newk’s with nearly two decades of financial management experience. He most recently served as VP 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.



“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.”



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 chain currently has more than 80 locations in 13 states and plans to expand to more than 200 units by the end of 2018.