Newk's Eatery Teams Up With Three SEC Powerhouses in New Two-Year Partnerships

The fast-casual favorite is deepening its ties to SEC Country through partnerships with the University of Alabama, Ole Miss and the University of Georgia.

JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newk's Eatery is getting closer to the action across SEC Country. The fast-casual restaurant brand has entered into two-year athletics partnerships with the University of Alabama, Ole Miss and the University of Georgia, creating new ways to connect with fans, support student-athletes and strengthen its presence in core markets.

The partnerships will bring Newk's into the game-day experience through in-venue signage, digital and live promotions, NIL partnerships, catering opportunities and the brand's "We Win, You Win" promotion. The agreements span a variety of men's and women's sports, with a particular emphasis on supporting growing women's athletics programs.

"Our goal is to build meaningful relationships with passionate sports fans and alumni in communities surrounding the University of Alabama, Ole Miss and the University of Georgia, three universities with strong connections to many of our core Newk's markets," said Heather Boggs, chief marketing officer of Newk's Eatery. "These partnerships allow us to grow brand awareness, strengthen loyalty and create new opportunities to engage both existing and new guests through their passion for their favorite teams."

At the University of Alabama, Newk's partnership includes baseball, gymnastics, softball and volleyball, along with NIL partnerships, in-venue signage, digital and live promotional opportunities and catering throughout the year.

At Ole Miss, Newk's will partner with women's soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball while also participating in NIL partnerships, in-venue signage, digital and live promotions and catering opportunities.

The University of Georgia partnership includes women's gymnastics, softball and soccer. Newk's is also teaming up with Georgia student-athletes Autumn Reingold, Brook Gleichowski, Mya Townes and Tyler Kaseta through NIL partnerships designed to introduce fans to the people behind the uniforms.

"Our selection process focused on student-athletes who are not only successful in their respective sports, but who also demonstrate strong character, energy and a genuine connection with their communities," Boggs said. "We believe the strongest NIL partnerships are authentic, and these student-athletes give us an opportunity to connect our brand with fans through real personalities and meaningful storytelling."

Women's athletics is also an important part of the partnerships. Newk's wanted to support the student-athletes and programs that mean so much to fans, families and the university communities they call home.

Fans will also have a chance to turn wins by participating teams into a reason to celebrate at Newk's. Through the "We Win, You Win" promotion, qualifying team victories will unlock a free Newk's Classic Pizza with purchase, giving fans a way to carry the celebration beyond the field, court or gym.

"When fans have something to celebrate, we want Newk's to be part of that experience," Boggs said. "The promotion gives us an opportunity to drive engagement with our loyalty program and encourage fans to visit and celebrate with us following a win."

The three partnerships build on Newk's longstanding presence across the Southeast and its connection to communities where college sports are part of the local culture.

"Beyond driving traffic and sales, our goal is to become an even more meaningful part of the communities we serve, supporting student-athletes, celebrating teams and giving fans another reason to gather around great food," Boggs said.

About Newk's Eatery

Based in Jackson, Mississippi, is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its culinary-driven menu featuring made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, pizzas and Signature Cakes. Founded in 2004 by Chris "Newk" Newcomb and partners, Newk's operates and franchises nearly 100 restaurants across 16 states. The brand is known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and scratch-made quality, preparing meals without fryers or microwaves and hand-prepping ingredients daily in every restaurant.

Newk's continues to earn national recognition for both its food and franchise opportunity. In 2025, Newk's was recognized on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, ranked No. 229 on the Franchise Times Top 400 List, ranked No. 198 on Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report, and ranked No. 2 Best Fast Casual Brand on the USA Today Reader's Choice List. In 2026, Newk's continues to build momentum, placing No. 25 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, among many other accolades.

For more information, visit Newks.com, join Newk's Rewards, or follow Newk's on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. For franchise information, visit ownanewks.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Julie Maw
Mainland
209.617.6518
[email protected]

SOURCE NEWK’S