Company Information
Newk’s Franchise Company
2660 Ridgewood Road
Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: 601-982-1160
Fax: 601-982-1161
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chris Newcomb-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
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Chris Newcomb is one of the founders of Newk’s Express Café. The CEO is responsible for implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the company. This role is instrumental in giving direction and leadership achievement of the company philosophy, mission and its annual goals and objectives. The CEO will serve as the administrator of all company locations.
Don Newcomb-Founder & Chairman
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Debra Bryson-Founder & Vice President
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Debra is responsible for Brand Development and Design.She coordinates design and building specifications with architectural firm for all Newco Dining and Newk’s Franchise Company restaurants. She is responsible for prototype, interior remodel design, interior décor placement, procurement, reviewing and approval of plans for each restaurant.
It is her responsibility to protect the Newk’s brand in building, signage, decor, and customer point of sale promotions.
Stephen J. Hinkis-Vice President of Franchise Operations
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The Vice President of Franchise Operations is the point of contact for all Newk’s Express Café’s franchisees. The role is instrumental in coordinating Operations, Training, Marketing, and field support activities of the Team. The team is responsible for all aspects of the restaurant from “pre” through “post” opening, the on-going business activities, and assisting the Franchise Owners with day to day support. This team works with the franchisees to build sales, optimize profitability, and ensure the standards of Food Safety, Quality, Service, and Cleanliness of the Newk’s Express Café are maintained through field evaluations, visits, and communications.
Steve Caulk - VP of Company Operations
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The VP of Company Operations is responsible for making sure all Newco Dining restaurants are operating according to our standards. The goal is to optimize the guest experience, employee
experience and financial results, by focusing on product quality, management development, staff training and restaurant cleanliness.
Kathryn Harris-Director of Performance, Development & Culture
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The Director of Performance, Development & Culture is responsible for the design and implementation of the training and development programs for our team members and management. This position also reviews and refines our current programs in order to ensure our team members have the best systems available to be effective in their roles.
Tiffany Travelstead-Franchise Support Specialist
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Ross Polancich-Franchise Support Specialist
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The Franchise Support Specialist assists franchisees through periodic evaluations of their restaurants, developing actionable plans to impact opportunity areas, and effective follow up to ensure continuous improvement.
Ashley Bryson-Director of Marketing
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The Director of Marketing is responsible for designing and managing all marketing materials and graphic design projects, coordinating with all apparel and printing companies to protect and promote the Newk’s Express Café Brand, and serves as a liaison between franchisees and advertising companies (newspapers, magazines, etc) for restaurant advertisement and promotion. This position is plays an important role in assisting Franchisees in effectively marketing and promoting their restaurants within the community.
Brittany Hickman-Catering Specialist for the Jackson Metro Area
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The Catering Specialist is the single source for all catering and special events in the Jackson Metro area. Their position includes a mix of operations, management, and development.
The Catering Specialist manages overall corporate catering operations from the corporate office. Their job is to implement catering operations through each restaurant catering manager and management team.
In addition to operational oversight, the Catering Specialist is responsible for client development and support as well as corporate branding. They are responsible for building relationships with catering clients by meeting their needs and offering exceptional service.
Adam Karveller-Information Technology Manager
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The Information Technology Manager is responsible for managing all organization technologies, providing technology support and training, and helping business operations utilize information systems to improve efficiency.
Janet McDaniel-Director of Purchasing
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The Director of Purchasing is responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of the company purchasing program for Newk’s Express Café while performing the necessary functions to assure the best possible quality and price.
Rachael Shannon-Building & Design Project Manager
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The Building and Design Project Manager is responsible for reviewing all Newk’s construction documents and collaborating with the architect and food service equipment provider on space planning and all design solutions. This position also communicates with the General Contractor, sub-contractors, and Project Managers through frequent site visits and general communication. It is also this position’s responsibility to support brand development and maintenance of consistency of the Newk’sbrand to keep the Newk’s experience possible.


