(Jackson, MS) -- Newk's Express Café will open its 40th restaurant Monday, Oct. 31 at 1412 Higdon Ferry Road in Hot Springs, Ark. It will be the company's first location in the state of Arkansas.

"We are incredibly excited to open our 40th restaurant and to open it in a brand new state is even better," said Chris Newcomb, co-founder, president and CEO of Newk's Express Café. "This is a great achievement for a young company like Newk's and it is just the beginning of our growth. We have signed many new franchisees so far in 2011 and we expect to open 25 new restaurants next year including some in new markets like Virginia."

Created by the founders of McAlister's Deli (Don Newcomb, Chris Newcomb and Debra Bryson) who pioneered the fast-casual restaurant concept, Newk's Express Café provides an express casual dining experience and features a variety of made-to-order choices including fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups and homemade cakes baked by Newk's Bakery Company. A selection of wines by the glass and beer is also available at select locations.

About Newk's Express Cafés
Since opening its first location in Oxford, Miss. in 2004, Newk's Express Cafés have expanded their presence across the U.S. southeast. There are currently restaurants in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. About 30 of the restaurants are franchise owned and operated. Six franchised locations were opened in 2009 and five new restaurants opened in 2010. Newk's Express Café is seeking multi-unit development partners with the financial capability to open a minimum of three restaurants. Markets targeted for future expansion include Houston; Oklahoma City; Tulsa, OK.; Chicago; Louisville, KY.; Orlando; Cincinnati and Richmond, VA.