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Georgia adds 1 million, but growth slows from 1990s, 2000s
JEFF AMY
Associated Press
Published: Apr 27, 2021, 11:56 PM
ATLANTA — Georgia gained a million new residents from 2010 to 2020 according to U.S. Census results released Monday, with the state still growing more rapidly than the nation. But for the first time since 1990, the state will not add a congressional seat, as the state's population growth slowed noticeably from the breakneck pace of the previous two decades.
Construction of Newk's Eatery on Highway 80 East, across from Lowe’s, is continuing, with an anticipated opening in July or August.
- photo by JIM HEALY/staff
Published: May 15, 2025, 2:44 AM
A Georgia Southern graduate and former law enforcement officer, Rick Howard is set to open Newk's Eatery in the summer.
The restaurant will be located next to Popeyes and Dunkin’ on Highway 80 East, across from Lowe’s. Howard is a minority owner in both those restaurants that are majority owned by Tiku Shroff. Schroff closed on the three-acre parcel next to the entrance of Bel-Air Estates in August 2023. Both Popeyes and Dunkin’ opened in December 2024.
Considered a fast/casual restaurant, the inside of a typical Newk's Eatery is shown above. (Photo Courtesy Newk's Eatery)
Described as a fast/casual restaurant, Newk’s offers salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all made in the restaurant’s kitchen without fryers or microwaves.
Also, Howard is an owner-partner for the Wild Wing Cafe on Fair Road in Statesboro, along with Wild Wing Cafes in Macon, Warner Robins and Alpharetta. In addition to the Newk’s in Statesboro, Howard plans to open Newk’s in Savannah and Warner Robins later in 2025.
Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery operates and franchises about 100 units in 12 states. It was founded in 2004 and named after co-founder Chris "Newk" Newcomb. Newk’s Currently operates 13 restaurants in Georgia, with two locations in Athens the closest to Statesboro.
Land clearing for the Statesboro Newk’s began earlier in 2025 and actual construction began in March. The restaurant is slated to open in July or August.
