Newk’s Eatery B.R. locations coming early 2015

Newk’s Eatery, a Jackson, Mississippi-based “fast-casual” restaurant, hopes to expand its presence in Louisiana by adding four restaurants next year. Two of those will be in the Capital City. The expansion is part of Newk’s plan to grow the brand to 200 restaurants across the country by the end of 2018.

Though an exact date has not been set, a spokesperson with Newk’s says the restaurant expects both Baton Rouge locations will be open in the early first quarter of 2015.

“Louisiana plays a key role in the company’s contiguous growth plan,” Newk’s co-founder and CEO Chris Newcomb said in a press release. “By March, guests will be gathering around our tables in Baton Rouge.”

One Newk’s will open in the LSU north gates area at 3332 Lake St. in the former Mr. Gatti’s with 4,500 square feet and room for 150 guests. That location will also have a patio with space for nearly 70 more customers. A second Newk’s, at 7201 Corporate Blvd. in Towne Center, is still in the design phase.

For those unfamiliar with Newk’s, the restaurant offers a diverse menu with items such as hot toasted sandwiches, pizzas, salads and soups. At the Louisiana locations, Newcomb says Newk’s will offer Cajun-inspired menu items, including a shrimp poboy, spicy shrimp pizza and shrimp remoulade salad. Visit newks.com for more information.