Newk's ready to open on University Parkway

The employees might not be ready to serve perfectly quite yet, but the customers certainly know how to eat.

Newk's Eatery officially is opening its new restaurant at 5405 University Parkway, No. 110, in Bradenton, on Monday at 11 a.m., but the customers already have put down more than $19,000 in food used for training purposes.

"It's been quite a week for us," said Newk's Director of Operations David Baker. "It was pretty crazy, but we needed to get the kinks out."

Baker and his staff have been inviting guests to the restaurant along with inviting select people through the doors. "It's pyramid training," Baker said. "It all helps us get prepared for Monday."

The training started on Wednesday and continued on Saturday evening when about 70 people returned invitations to attend the free offering. Baker said he expected about 100 people.

Newk's employs 68 people. Baker described the restaurant's fare as "fresh, flavorful and fast."

"It's upscale fast, casual," Baker said. Offerings include salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

The first 50 people on Monday get a $100 Newk's gift card and the first 100 people received a gift bag.