We're excited to feature Newk's Eatery as July's Partner of the Month! Newk's sets itself apart by relying on their trusted family recipes and a culture of caring for their community. Did you know their teal straws and water bottles have a pretty important meaning? Read on, as we spoke with Liz, Hali and Spencer all about Newk's.
Q: When did the business open?
A: Our brand began in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi - we just celebrated our 20th Anniversary! Our two locations here in Mobile, Airport and McGowin Park, both opened in 2015.
Q: What services or products does your business offer?
A: We are a fast casual concept, with an open kitchen! We serve sandwiches, salads, pizzas, soups and various side items. We also have top-notch Catering with a variety of Party Trays, Q' Sliders, Mac & Cheese and more!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? (Or owning a business in Mobile?)
A. The culture and food is an easy answer! But we are built on family recipes, which sets us apart from other concepts. Everyone can come dine with us and feel at home - and the people of Mobile are our family!
Q: What is your business most known for?
A; Our Newcomb family recipes! From Chicken Salad to our White BBQ sauce featured on our Newk's Q sandwich & pizza. Oh, and we have awesome breadsticks!!
Q: Do you have any specific hashtags or catchphrases for your business?
A: Our catchphrase is "Extra with Every Bite!" Or "We Cater... You Party!"
Q: How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Hali Key, General Manager of Newk's on Airport Blvd: "I enjoy spending time with my growing family, playing with our dogs and attending any Braves games that I can!"
Spencer Smith, General Manager of Newk's at McGowin Park: "Spending time with my wife and daughter! I also enjoy live music and playing drums with my band"
Q: Share a fond memory from your time at this business.
Hali & Spencer: We do a lot of catering during storm relief, and we had to rent a very, very large truck to store 2k+ catering boxes. It was hard work, but a lot of fun! And last year, we had the best booth at the Mobile Expo with our Director of Catering Liz Pearson - it's fun when all of us get to do things together. Usually we are at our own locations!
Q: What do you think makes your business unique?
A: Again, we are family built! It's an honor to share recipes that began in the kitchen of the Newcomb family. Also, our brand initiative is the fight against Ovarian Cancer -- 'Newk's Cares' -- and we support that in various ways all year long! Our teal straws and water bottles are ways we continue to shine light and give back. In September - we go TEAL!!
Q: What do you think makes Mobile unique?
A: The amount of culture and events all year long, too many to name! We all love Mardi Gras and Bay Jubilee.
Q: What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
Hali: When I was promoted to General Manager. It's rewarding to grow with this company!
Spencer: Personally, when I became a dad. And my license plate has Newk's on it - so needless to say my career is very meaningful!
Q: Fun fact that people might not know about your business!
A: Our founders are the ones who started McAlisters! Chris Newcomb is still on the Board, and actively visits all the restaurants. It's always exciting when he walks in!
Q: What is your favorite item off the menu?
Hali: Italian Sandwich right now, but it changes!
Spencer: Newk's Q pizza, but I also enjoy a big bowl of Potato Soup!