Fast-casual Restaurant Concept to Debut in Atlanta, Athens Markets by spring 2011.

(Jackson, MS)---Two franchise groups have announced they are bringing the fresh flavor of Newk’s Express Café to the even fresher markets of Atlanta and Athens, Ga. John’s Creek, Ga.-based GBDL Holdings, LLC and Atlanta, Ga.’s Many Glacier Holdings, LLC will be the first franchise companies to introduce the fast-casual restaurant concept to the state of Georgia. Both businesses are slated to open their first Newk’s restaurants by spring 2011.
Created by the founders of McAlister’s Deli – who pioneered the fast-casual restaurant concept – Newk’s Express Café provides an express casual dining experience and features a variety of made-to-order choices including fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups and homemade cakes baked by Newk’s Bakery Company. A selection of wines by the glass and beer is also available.
In being among the first to introduce the Newk’s concept to Georgia, Greg LaFoe, owner-operator of GBDL Holdings, LLC said he is looking at 15 possible locations in the target markets of Alpharetta and Athens, Ga. He looks at opening a minimum of three locations over the next five years as part of an aggressive expansion plan into the market.