# Chris Newcomb

> Chris Newcomb is a Mississippi restaurant founder, operator, and strategic adviser who helped build McAlister’s Deli before co-founding Newk’s Eatery in Oxford in 2004. His operating philosophy combines visible kitchens, made-from-scratch food, franchisee empathy, disciplined menu development, and a belief that restaurant work is ultimately people work.

- **Role:** Founder, Director and Strategic Adviser at Newk’s Eatery
- **Organizations:** Newk’s Eatery, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Giving Kitchen, YPO Southern 7 Gold, Fast Casual Industry Council, Culinary Institute of America Society of Fellows
- **Education:** University of Mississippi
- **Known for:** Co-founded McAlister’s Deli and helped expand it beyond its original Oxford location., Co-founded Newk’s Eatery in 2004 and led the concept as president and CEO., Helped grow Newk’s to more than 100 restaurants across multiple states.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Joined his father Don Newcomb and Debra Bryson in opening Checquers in Oxford, Mississippi.
- **1990-1991** — The concept became McAlister’s Gourmet Deli and expanded to additional Mississippi cities.
- **1999** — The founding team sold McAlister’s Deli to an outside investor group.
- **2001** — Became a franchise operator with four Moe’s Southwest Grill locations and served on its advisory board.
- **2004** — Co-founded Newk’s Express Café in Oxford and began serving as president and CEO.
- **2013** — Newk’s Express Café changed its name to Newk’s Eatery.
- **2014** — Newk’s partnered with Sentinel Capital Partners to support growth.
- **2023** — FSC Franchise Co. acquired Newk’s; Newcomb became strategic adviser while remaining a director and founder.
- **2025** — A franchise disclosure document listed Newcomb as director, strategic adviser, and founder.

## Achievements

- Co-founded McAlister’s Deli and helped expand it beyond its original Oxford location.
- Co-founded Newk’s Eatery in 2004 and led the concept as president and CEO.
- Helped grow Newk’s to more than 100 restaurants across multiple states.
- Developed experience on both sides of franchising as a brand founder and a multi-unit franchisee.
- Serves in civic and industry roles including the Giving Kitchen board and the Fast Casual Industry Council.

## Latest updates

- **2025-04** — Newk’s franchise disclosure document identified Newcomb as a director, strategic adviser, and founder.
- **2024-07** — Newk’s began operating within FSC Franchise Co. following the late-2023 acquisition.
- **2023-11** — Newcomb became Newk’s strategic adviser after FSC Franchise Co. acquired the brand.

## Links

- Website: https://newks.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-newcomb-55a63518

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/chris-newcomb
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-26