This article was originally published on orlandosentinel.com.
Newk’s Eatery will open its first Orlando restaurant in East Orlando’s Waterford Oaks shopping Center on Aug. 15.
The fast casual eatery will have made-from-scratch dishes that include pizzas, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts for lunch and dinner.
It also offers Grab-N-Go meals as well as online ordering options.
“We have more of a culinary flair than your other chain restaurants,” said general manager Michael Woodruff.
Newk’s will celebrate its opening date at Waterford Oaks by giving the first 50 guests a $100 gift card and a gift package. The next 50 guests will receive a gift package.
The chain will also take donations toward ovarian cancer research, a cause that has been inspired by the cancer journeyof the wife of the restaurant’s founder and CEO. All donations on the Aug. 15 opening will be matched by the company for research as well as the OneOrlando Fund.
Newk’s is based in Jackson, Miss., and has 102 locations in 13 states and plans to create 200 units by 2019.
About 10+ restaurants are in the works for the Orlando area.
Newk’s will open a second spot at 11650 University Blvd. this fall. Three other locations are planned for Kissimmee, Lake Nona and the SoDo Shopping Center.
Newk’s offers good food at a great value, which is key as Orlando continues to grow, Woodruff said.
“We need more places to eat and better options,” he said.
ldelgado@orlandosentinel.com
What: A new fast casual eatery.
Opens: Aug. 15.
Where: 1448 N. Alafaya Trail in Orlando.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.