Newk’s Eatery has debuted a new restaurant prototype it said will better position the brand as “upscale fast casual” and fuel its plans to expand twofold over the next three years.
The “Generation Two” design, which features elements such as subway tile and pendant lighting, reflects a red, green and gold color scheme inspired by the chain’s ingredients and includes a revised floor plan to improve throughput of takeout orders.
A digital screen highlighting new menu items and LTOs will serve as a test for a digital menu board rollout the 85-unit chain has planned for early 2016.
Despite a number of changes, the new layout retains elements central to Newk’s first-generation design, such as an open kitchen and a condiments table, the chain said.
"We've experienced an evolution over the past year as we've expanded our corporate and franchise operations," Newk's CEO Chris Newcomb said in a statement. "The new design is the next step, delivering an experience to our growing customer base that reflects our philosophy that fast casual and culinary can be great partners."
The chain is testing the design at a Lafayette, La., unit, it opened today and plans to integrate the new layout in a second restaurant later this year.
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