New Chain News
Fort Worth gets its first taste of healthy restaurant Newk's Eatery
A healthy concept is penetrating the walls of Tarrant County: Newk's Eatery, the Mississippi-based fast-casual chain, will open its first location in north Fort Worth in the Presidio Junction complex, at 2217 North Tarrant Pkwy.
It represents a welcome addition, offering a more healthy alternative along a strip of restaurants that includes a Wingstop and competing locations of Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger.
A spokesperson confirmed that the restaurant is coming-soon, with a tentative opening set for June.
Newk's was launched in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi, by Don Newcomb, Debra Bryson, and Chris Newcomb, founders of the McAlister's Deli chain, which they sold in 2001. Newk's (an abbreviation of the Newcomb name) was conceived as a more foodie-friendly place, with some menu items taken from family recipes.
Newk's debuted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in West Plano, where it opened in April 2013.
Unlike some other quick-serve options, this is a "scratch" concept, where lettuce and fruit are chopped in the morning and ingredients are prepared to order. They use real silverware, not plastic, and they also serve beer and wine.
Salads are numerous and include one with grilled chicken, artichokes, grapes, cranberries, and Gorgonzola cheese. Pizzas range from pepperoni to veggie; one with barbecue chicken is reminiscent California Pizza Kitchen's signature pie with chicken, red onion, tomato, and sweet barbecue sauce.
There are also seasonal specials, such as the grilled veggie salad; kale Caesar; and a farmers market sandwich.
The chain has been growing throughout the Southeast, with Texas currently the westernmost frontier. Other Newk's in the area have opened in Irving's Cypress Waters development in 2016, and in Frisco in 2017.
