For the full year, popular fast-casual restaurant’s average unit volumes hit $2 million
Jackson, MS (-) Newk’s Eatery today reported a fourth quarter 2021 same-store sales increase of 21.7% compared to 2020 and an over 10% increase over 2019.
“We’re pleased to see the strong sales surge in the fourth quarter driven by new menu innovation,” said Newk’s CEO Frank Paci. “In October, we launched our New at Newk’s menu featuring nine new menu items including our Salmon Caesar Salad, Newk’s Cheesesteak and Portobella Veggie Pizza. These premium items helped us grow our average check while continuing to offer great value. So far, we’ve seen continued strong sales momentum into Q1 of 2022.”
In addition to launching new premium menu items, Newk’s also re-emphasized its pairings menu by adding a new “Pick a Pair” option allowing guests to pair a full sandwich, salad or pizza with a cup of soup, half classic salad or a half mac & cheese. As a result, pairings increased from 30% of Newk’s menu mix to nearly 38%.
For the full year, Newk’s saw its average unit volume increase from $1.5 million in 2020 to over $2 million in 2021. The sales increase was driven by a strong recovery from the pandemic with significant growth in off-premise business, increased digital sales, the expansion of delivery and the launch of the New at Newk’s premium menu. Newk’s has maintained its off-premise sales gains as dine-in sales have begun to recover.
Newk’s is continuing to make significant enhancements to its business in 2022. In January, Newk’s launched its new app and loyalty program through Punchh’s advanced platform and has already added 110,000 members. The brand also introduced a “Skip the Line” program, allowing guests to order directly from their table in-restaurant using their phone and have the food delivered to their table. It’s just another way Newk’s is improving the overall guest experience and increasing efficiency. Finally, Newk’s opened its newest prototype in Fort Smith, Arkansas in February. The approximately 3,200-square-foot model offers a full drive-thru that takes advantage of its increase in off-premise business.
To learn more about Newk’s, visit newks.com.
About Newk’s Eatery
Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual chain that operates and franchises more than 100 units in 16 states. Founded in 2004 and named after Co-Founder Chris “Newk” Newcomb, Newk’s hand-preps more than 30 fresh ingredients daily for salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all made in-house without fryers or microwaves. Its Signature Cakes are baked in Newk’s own bakery. Fresh grab-and-go options are also available, and Newk’s new mobile app, now available on Google Play and the App Store, offers mobile ordering for curbside, in-store pickup or delivery. In 2020, Newk’s ranked in Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Top 200 Countdown” and Restaurant Business‘ Top 250 Chains. Newk’s has also been selected as a Top Food Franchise by Entrepreneur. In 2021, Newk’s was recognized in Nation’s Restaurant’s News as a “Top Scorer in Takeout Food Quality” and ranked among the highest “True Loyalty” scores – the percentages of respondents who said they visit because of a real desire to experience the brand, as opposed to convenience. For more information, visit Newks.com, join the e-Club or follow Newk’s on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For franchise information, visit newksfranchise.com.
Contact:
Cami Studebaker
Champion
972-930-9933
cstudebaker@championmgt.com