Fast-growing restaurant brand unveils new interior design

With plans to double in size over the next two years, the fast-casual Newk’s Eatery chain is on the fast-track. And it is testing a new design prototype to help it accomplish its goal.



Dubbed the "Generation Two" design, the new concept represents a fresh, on-trend look for the brand, and is designed to resonate in new markets and elevate the overall guest experience.



The first unit to showcase the design has opened in Lafayette, Louisiana, with a second restaurant due to open in Cary, North Carolina. Guest and operator feedback will help determine the final design and systemwide rollout.



The new design was developed by Newk's building and design project manager Rachael Myrick in partnership with Studio B, a Houston-based strategic brand design firm. It builds on Newk's signature components – open kitchen, popular condiment table and comfortable seating areas – while adding elements that reflect the chain's mission to serve the finest ingredients with the utmost hospitality.



Upgraded finishes using classic, neutral materials such as subway tile, pendant lighting, floor detail and plush upholstery emphasize Newk's position as an upscale fast-casual brand.



A new color scheme incorporates the hues of Newk's always-fresh ingredients, while floor plan changes add comfort to the in-store dining experience and expedite ordering and takeout.



"Newk's believes in memorable meals without the white tablecloth," said president and CEO Chris Newcomb. "Our design team took that to heart, with rich, classic colors and materials that deliver elegance that is unexpected from a fast-casual experience."



The new design aligns with Newk's aggressive growth plans to double in size in the next three years by helping the company stay ahead of its competition while keeping build-out costs comparable to the first generation. A similar floor plan and kitchen design also allow the new elements to be incorporated efficiently into existing units.



"Value engineering was another key objective of this design process," said Myrick.



Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery currently operates and franchises nearly 85 units in 13 states.