Newk’s names Michael Clock presidentNewk’s names Michael Clock president

Michael Clock, chief financial officer of Newk’s Franchise Co., has assumed the position of president at the fast-casual brand, succeeding Jim Greco, who stepped down last week, the company told NRN.

The Jackson, Miss.-based company said Clock, who was named CFO in August, would retain that position as well.

Greco, who stepped down as chief operating officer and president of Newk’s, joined the company in 2014, after previously serving as CEO of Sbarro and Bruegger’s Bagels. Greco was appointed president and COO by Newk’s private-equity owner Sentinel Capital Partners.

Clock’s assistant said the COO position, created when Greco joined the company, would remain unfilled.

Chris Newcomb, co-founder of Newk’s, will continue to serve as CEO.

Before joining Newk’s Eatery in August, Clock served as CFO for Good Smoke Restaurant Group. He succeeded Robert Nygren in the role. Good Smoke is the parent to such barbecue brands as Dinosaur BBQ and Jim ’N Nick’s Community BBQ.

Prior to Good Smoke, Clock was executive vice president and CFO of bakery-café operator Le Duff America Inc., parent to the Mimi’s Café, Bruegger’s Bagels, La Madeleine and Brioche Dorée brands. He also held leadership roles with Carlson Restaurants Worldwide and TGI Fridays.

Newcomb, his father Don Newcomb and family friend Debra Bryson founded Newk’s in 2004, and sold the chain to Sentinel Capital Partners in 2014. The chain serves a diverse menu that includes salads, California-style pizzas, toasted sandwiches, soups and cakes.

The company has more than 100 units in 13 states. Newk’s signed a deal in mid-September with Indy Eatery LLC to expand the fast-casual brand into the Indianapolis and southern Indiana markets with 15 locations.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

Correction: Oct. 4, 2016 This story has been edited to clarify Jim Greco’s tenure with Newk’s.