Why Newk’s Eatery is Tapping Industry Veterans for Columbus Expansion

Newk’s Eatery Expands Footprint in Columbus, Mississippi

Newk’s Eatery, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its freshly prepared meals, is planning an exciting new opening in Columbus, Mississippi. This expansion, set for Fall 2026, will be spearheaded by seasoned multi-unit operators Vikas and Jaimin Patel, who have established a strong foothold in the region as owners of Beef 'O' Brady's. Located at 2400 Highway 45 N., the new restaurant will be a conversion of an existing site, allowing for rapid development and minimal disruption.

The Patel Family's Journey in Food Service

The Patels bring valuable experience to Newk’s Eatery, having previously managed multiple successful franchises. Their journey began with Dairy Queen, where they developed a passion for the food industry and a vision to create dining spaces that cater to families and sports enthusiasts alike. They have enjoyed great success with their Beef ‘O’ Brady’s locations, which are renowned for their welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality service. Jaimin Patel expressed his excitement for Newk’s, saying, “It feels like the kind of place our family would eat every week – fresh food, made right and a comfortable vibe.”

Leveraging Existing Knowledge for a Seamless Transition

The strategic choice to open a Newk’s in a familiar area underscores the advantages of leveraging existing market knowledge. Columbus is home to the Patels, and they’re deeply aware of local dining preferences. This familiarity not only accelerates the development process but also ensures that Newk's will resonate with the community's tastes and expectations, a key factor in any restaurant's success. Their plan to include a drive-thru also highlights an understanding of modern customer needs, especially with growing demands for convenience in dining.

Innovations Within the Franchise Model

The expansion of Newk's Eatery is significant not just for the Patels but also for the broader FSC Franchise Co. system. By integrating Newk’s into their portfolio, the Patels are positioned to streamline their operations while offering a diverse dining experience that spans across lunch, dinner, and catering options. With the restaurant's focus on operational excellence and technology – including mobile ordering and loyalty programs – this expansion epitomizes modern dining convenience. CEO Frank Paci expressed enthusiasm for this new endeavor, stating, “They are disciplined operators with deep ties to the market and a track record of running great restaurants.”

The Future of Dining in Mississippi

The Columbus Newk’s Eatery will emphasize a commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch dining. Established in 2004, Newk’s has already redefined what fast-casual dining can be, with a menu comprising handcrafted salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas, all made with high-quality ingredients. As they pivot to include off-premise dining and digital convenience, they are set to lead the way in what patrons expect from a contemporary dining experience.

Call to Action: Get Involved in the New Dining Revolution

Restaurant owners and aspiring franchisees should pay attention to this burgeoning brand expansion in Columbus. The innovative approach by the Patels exemplifies how leveraging experience and community insights can pave the way for success in the restaurant business. Fortifying your understanding of these trends could be your next step in navigating the evolving dining landscape. If you're interested in learning more about profitable partnership opportunities in the restaurant industry, consider connecting with established franchises like Newk's Eatery.