Chris Newcomb
Founder & Board Member, Newk’s Eatery
Chris Newcomb is a distinguished figure in the restaurant industry, best known as the founder and a current board member of Newk’s Eatery.
Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a culinary-forward, high-volume, fast-casual restaurant concept boasting over 100 locations across 14 U.S. states.
Chris’s journey in the restaurant sector began in 1989 with the launch of his family’s first restaurant, Checquer’s, in Oxford, Mississippi. Within a year, it became a successful business, prompting a name change to McAlister’s Gourmet Deli to avoid confusion with an existing chain.
Chris recognized the potential of the restaurant industry and shifted his focus from hobby to career. He diligently studied the foodservice industry and, by 1991, had opened additional McAlister’s Gourmet Deli locations in Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and Jackson, Mississippi, expanding across the Southeast. His contributions spanned from operations and design to purchasing and equipment selection, showcasing his multifaceted expertise.
In 2001, after selling his stake in McAlister’s Deli, Chris ventured into franchising with Moe’s Southwest Grill, opening four locations and serving on the company’s Advisory Board. This experience enriched his understanding of the franchisee’s perspective and reignited his passion for culinary innovation.
Leveraging over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Chris launched Newk’s Eatery in 2004 in Oxford, Mississippi, serving as president and CEO. Under his leadership, Newk’s Eatery has grown to over 100 restaurants in 14 states, known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
In 2014, Chris and his wife, Lori, co-founded Newk’s Cares following her diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Newk’s Cares aims to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and has donated over $2.5 million to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). Their initiatives include teal-themed awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and partnerships with healthcare institutions to support cancer research and patient care.
Despite Lori’s passing in 2019, Chris continues to champion their mission through the Lori Ruffin Newcomb Foundation, furthering support for ovarian cancer research. The inaugural Lori’s Day in 2022 raised over $347,000 for OCRA, reflecting Chris’s ongoing dedication to this cause.
Chris remains an influential leader in many civic and business-related initiatives, serving on the boards of Newk’s Eatery, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and YPO Southern 7 Gold. He is an active member of the Fast Casual Industry Council and the Culinary Institute of America’s Society of Fellows. His accolades include Nation’s Restaurant News “Power List,” International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s Silver Plate Award, and Mississippi Business Journal “CEO Awards of Mississippi, 2018 Class.”
Chris resides in Jackson, Mississippi, and has three children, Madison, Blair, and Hayes. His legacy in the restaurant industry is marked by innovation, community commitment, and an unwavering passion for culinary excellence.