#USA #Fast Casual #Jackson #Newk's Eatery #Madison Newcomb

Newk's Eatery Recognized Among Top Restaurant Brands

In an impressive achievement, Newk's Eatery has been named as the 25th entry in the esteemed 2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, affirming its status among the leading fast-casual dining options available. This annual ranking aims to spotlight concepts that are not only pushing the envelope in guest service but also portray remarkable brand growth in a challenging industry.

The evaluation process for this prestigious recognition included an array of criteria such as sales performance, customer engagement, innovative technology usage, and strong leadership. This year, judges uniquely integrated the Fast Casual Index, a comprehensive analytics tool that scrutinizes elements like menu pricing, customer feedback, unit growth, and social media interaction. Such a thorough assessment reinforces the notion that Newk's not only provides quality dining options but also adheres to the latest trends in restaurant management and marketing.

Adding to the excitement, Madison Newcomb, the director of marketing for Newk's, was celebrated as Fast Casual’s Woman of the Year. This accolade acknowledges her exceptional leadership in propelling Newk's Cares, the brand’s charitable arm dedicated to supporting ovarian cancer patients and their families. Under her stewardship, Newk's Cares has seen a substantial increase in its outreach and effectiveness, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to social responsibility. Newcomb expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, “This recognition is significant to me as it highlights the years of dedication and toil for causes I hold dear. Merging my marketing expertise with meaningful community contributions has been a fulfilling element of my career.”

The timeline leading to this significant recognition coincided with a year of substantial enhancements at Newk's. The Jackson, Mississippi-based brand has introduced a variety of new offerings, including innovative wraps and affordable combo meals, while also improving restaurant operations through the addition of self-order kiosks—designed to streamline processes and enhance customer experience during peak hours. Even with fewer than 100 restaurant locations, Newk's has gained recognition alongside established giants within the fast-casual sector, a testament to its unwavering dedication to serving made-to-order meals crafted from fresh, quality ingredients.

Chris Elliott, CEO of Newk's Eatery, reflected on this honor, stating, “For a relatively compact team, our achievements are remarkable. Being acknowledged as one of the Top 100 fast-casual brands underscores the collective effort from our entire system, from restaurant teams and general managers to support staff, franchisees, and partners. This accolade is a shared success.”

Looking ahead, the acknowledgment of Newk's Eatery stands as a symbol of its continuous growth and its proactive approach to community service. Founded in 2004 by Chris “Newk” Newcomb and his partners, Newk's operates nearly 100 locations across 16 states, delivering an expansive menu that includes made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and Signature Cakes, all prepared without fryers or microwaves. With regular community involvement and the pursuit of national recognition, Newk's remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional food while fostering meaningful connections within every locality it serves.

For those keen to indulge in Newk's offerings, the brand has launched a new mobile app—available on both Google Play and the App Store—facilitating convenient mobile ordering options for curbside pickup or delivery. To explore more about Newk’s, including its community initiatives and menu, visit Newks.com or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. For franchise inquiries, visit ownanewks.com.