First Watch Restaurants Franchise News

March 15, 2012 // Franchising.com // Indianapolis, Ind. – First Watch, the award-winning Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company, has announced plans to open its second restaurant in Indianapolis in the summer of 2012. The new 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant will be located at 139 N. Illinois Street, in the Market Tower building in downtown Indianapolis.
“We are committed to expanding our presence in Indianapolis and even while our first restaurant at Keystone is under construction and expected to open soon, we are excited to announce our second restaurant in Indy’s vibrant Downtown,” says Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch.
The new restaurant will feature a new interior design concept known as “Connect...

(Lexington, KY) -December 5, 2011-- First Watch, the Bradenton, Florida-based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company, has signed a franchisee agreement with Holland Rosen Group, LLC to expand into the Lexington and Louisville markets. The first restaurant location is expected to open in Lexington in early 2012.
The franchised First Watch locations will be operated by the Holland Rosen Group, LLC as part of a multi-unit franchise agreement to open a total of eight restaurants throughout Lexington and Louisville over the next five years. Each restaurant will employ approximately 25 people.
Business partners Gary Holland and Ron Rosen, founders of Holland Rosen Group, LLC, are currently the largest franchisees of Skyline Chili with 12 restaurants in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, as well as three La Rosa’s Pizza restaurants...

November 29, 2011 // Franchising.com // Panama City, FL --- First Watch, the award-winning Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant concept will open three restaurants in the Florida panhandle beginning in early 2012, as a result of a franchise agreement with Sunrise Foods, LLC.
Brad and Keith Dermond, owners of Sunrise Foods, LLC, will operate the new franchised First Watch restaurants as part of a multi-unit franchise agreement to open at least three locations throughout Panama City, Destin and Ft. Walton Beach over the next three years. Each restaurant will employ approximately 25 people.
“We are excited to be part of the team bringing First Watch to the Florida Panhandle” said Brad Dermond. “We believe that First Watch’s unique menu full of fresh, craveable Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch items; welcoming ambiance; and focus on exceptional customer service will be just as popular here as it is in so many other communities...

October 27, 2011 // Franchising.com // Indianapolis, IN -- First Watch, the Bradenton, Fla. based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company, will open its first restaurant in Indianapolis in early 2012. The company expects to open five to six restaurants total in the Indianapolis market over the next two to four years.
The first restaurant to open in the market will occupy an end cap space at the Keystone Crossing Shoppes on the corner of Keystone and 86th Street, across from The Fashion Mall. The restaurant space will feature a completely updated interior and exterior including a new building façade and patio. The new restaurant will employ approximately 25 people. A second Indianapolis restaurant, to open later in 2012, will be announced soon...

Jacksonville, FL (September 20, 2011)-- First Watch, the Bradenton-based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company, will expand its presence in its home state with the opening of a third Jacksonville-area restaurant in 2012. The 3,500 sq. ft. restaurant will be located in a to-be-built outparcel building in the Hodges Point Plaza, at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard.
First Watch debuted in the Jacksonville market this year, opening locations in Jacksonville Beach and Mandarin in August and September, respectively. The opening of the third Jacksonville location will bring the number of First Watch restaurants in Florida to more than 35. Each restaurant employs about 25 local employees.
First Watch specializes in the creation of traditional favorites such as pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches, as well as signature items including the Chickichanga®, Healthy Turkey Omelet™ and Fresh Fruit Crepes...

August 17, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Jacksonville Beach, FL) --- Entering the Jacksonville market for the first time, First Watch, the Bradenton-based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch Restaurant company, opened at 544 Marsh Landing in the South Beach Center earlier this week.

First Watch features traditional favorites including pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches, as well as signature specialties such as the Chickichanga®, Healthy Turkey Omelet™ and Fresh Fruit Crepes. First Watch is known for delivering an excellent dining experience alongside fast, friendly service. All menu items are freshly prepared to order and the restaurant does not use microwaves, deep fryers or heat lamps.

In addition to serving unique and fresh entrées, First Watch offers its exclusive Sunrise Select™ Premium Blend Coffee...

Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant offers 2 for You June 22, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Bradenton, FL)- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company based in Bradenton, Fla., announced the roll out of their new "2 for You" weekday lunch special in all of their restaurants*. Guests choose two items from a menu of half portions of some of First Watch's most popular lunch offerings of sandwiches, salads or soup for just $6.89. The special is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

"We tested this special for an extended period of time and saw tremendous success," said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch. "Our customers have told us how much they enjoy the variety and the ability to choose two of their favorite items in smaller portions...

First Watch is celebrating Father's Day and honoring dads for the fifth year in a row by giving away a free golf ball to every dad who comes in on Sunday, June 19th. CHICAGO, IL, June 15, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company based in Bradenton, Fla., is celebrating Father's Day and honoring dads for the fifth year in a row. On Sunday, June 19, all First Watch restaurants will be giving away a free Nike golf ball* emblazoned with the First Watch logo to fathers who dine at any of the company's 86 restaurants Father's Day.

"Dads should be recognized every day, but especially on Father's Day. It is our hope that a new golf ball will motivate dads to take some much deserved time off," said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer of First Watch...

June 03, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Bradenton, FL)--- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company based in Bradenton, Fla., is celebrating Father's Day and honoring dads for the fifth year in a row. On Sunday, June 19, all First Watch restaurants will be giving away a free Nike golf ball* emblazoned with the First Watch logo to fathers who dine at any of the company's 86 restaurants Father's Day.

"Dads should be recognized every day, but especially on Father's Day. It is our hope that a new golf ball will motivate dads to take some much deserved time off," said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer of First Watch. "We hope this conveys our appreciation for all dads and the impact they have on our lives."

First Watch has received more than 200 "Best Of" accolades...

Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant prepares for busiest day of year May 03, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Bradenton, FL)- What woman doesn't love chocolate? Surprise your mom with a sweet treat and a great meal this Mother's Day at First Watch. The Bradenton, Fla.-based restaurant company will be giving away a complimentary box of Russell Stover Chocolates* to mothers that dine at any of the company's 86 restaurants on Sunday, May 8.

"Mothers always enjoy coming to First Watch to indulge in our delicious food for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch, and the complimentary chocolate for Mother's Day is a great way to complete their holiday experience," said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch. "We've been honoring mothers with a box of chocolates for five years now, and we've given out more than 100,000 boxes in that time...

April 25, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Brookfield, WI)--- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch concept based in Bradenton, Florida, opened its first Milwaukee restaurant on Monday, April 24 at 17550 West Bluemound Road in the Brownstones Shopping Center at Bluemound and Calhoun Roads. The restaurant is being brought to the area by VMB Sunrise Hospitality, Inc., operated by father and son Michael and Vincent Busalacchi. They have agreed to open five First Watch restaurants in the Milwaukee market over the next three to five years.

First Watch features traditional favorites like pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches as well as signature items such as the Chickichanga and Fresh Fruit Crepes. All of their menu items are freshly prepared to order...

Daytime-Only Café to Open First Tennessee Restaurant This Summer March 22, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Brentwood, TN)--- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurant company based in Bradenton, Fla., will open its first Nashville area restaurant mid-2011 in the Pear Tree Village Center, which currently holds Harris Teeter and Office Max, at 210 Franklin Road in Brentwood. First Watch will occupy the end space formerly held by a video rental store. First Watch plans to bring three to five additional locations to Nashville in areas like Cool Springs, Green Hills, Belle Meade and West End near Vanderbilt University. For each location, First Watch plans to hire approximately 25 people.

First Watch features traditional favorites like pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches as well as signature items such as the Chickichanga and Fresh Fruit Crepes...

</p><h2>Daytime-Only Café to Open 5 Locations in Milwaukee Area</h2><p> January 26, 2011 // Franchising.com // (Brookfield, WI)--- First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch chain based in Bradenton, Fla., has signed an area development agreement to bring five restaurants to the Milwaukee area. VMB Sunrise Hospitality, Inc., operated by father and son Michael and Vincent Busalacchi, has agreed to open five First Watch restaurants in the Milwaukee market over the next three to five years. The first restaurant will open in Brookfield in the first half of this year in the Brownstones Shopping Center at Bluemound and Calhoun Roads.

First Watch features traditional favorites like pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches as well as signature items such as the Chickichanga and Fresh Fruit Crepes...

October 22, 2010 // Franchising.com // (Tampa, FL) First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch chain based in Bradenton, Fla., will expand its presence in Tampa when a new company-owned location opens this November. The restaurant will open at 3712 Henderson Blvd. at the corner of Henderson Blvd. and S. Dale Mabry Highway in the shopping center anchored by the Fresh Market.

The restaurant will be the seventh First Watch restaurant in Tampa and the 29th location in Florida. First Watch has been called "Best Brunch" by Florida Monthly Magazine and "Best Breakfast in Tampa Bay" by World of Westchase.

"We opened our first restaurant in Tampa in 1996," said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch. "We've been actively seeking more locations in the area since then so we are very excited about this new restaurant in south Tampa on Henderson...

March 24, 2010 // Franchising.com // Bradenton, FL --- First Watch, the Bradenton, Florida-based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch chain, has signed a multi-unitfranchise agreement with FW Florida, Inc. The company has agreed to open five First Watch restaurants over the coming years throughout North Central Florida including Gainesville, Ocala and The Villages and its principals also secured Development Rights for First Watch Restaurants in Iowa. The first location is expected to open this summer in The Villages.

FW Florida, Inc. President Joe Cody has more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry and currently is a multi-unit, multi-brand franchise operator for Arby's, Qdoba, Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza, Erbert & Gerbert's and Taco John's...

Former IHOP Franchisee to Open Three First Watch Locations February 17, 2010 // Franchising.com // (Oklahoma City, OK) First Watch, the Bradenton, Florida-based Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch chain, has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Dabbour Enterprises, LLC for Oklahoma City. The company has agreed to open three First Watch restaurants in the market over the coming years with the first location expected to open this summer.

Dabbour Enterprises President Ghassan Dabbour has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry most recently as a multi-unit franchise operator for IHOP. After having a great dining experience at a First Watch restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri back in Spring 2009, Dabbour decided that he wanted to invest in the First Watch concept...

Daytime-Only Café is Sixth Tampa Bay Area Location October 29, 2009 // Franchising.com // PALM HARBOR, Fla – First Watch, Tampa's choice for "Best Breakfast," as voted by the readers of Creative Loafing, opened its doors to the public on September 1, 2009 at the Alderman Plaza Shopping Center. First Watch is the nation's fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept and the new Palm Harbor restaurant is the company's 26th in the state of Florida.

"We are pleased to bring First Watch and our unique breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings to the residents of Palm Harbor and the greater Tampa Bay area," said Chris Tomasso, Chief Marketing Officer of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. "The revitalization of Alderman Plaza has transformed into a vibrant shopping center with easy access from US 19...

Daytime-Only Café is Sixth Tampa Bay Area Location

Palm Harbor, FL, September 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- First Watch, Tampa's choice for "Best Breakfast," as voted by the readers of Creative Loafing, opened its doors to the public on September 1, 2009 at the Alderman Plaza Shopping Center. First Watch is the nation's fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept and the new Palm Harbor restaurant is the company's 26th in the state of Florida.

"We are pleased to bring First Watch and our unique breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings to the residents of Palm Harbor and the greater Tampa Bay area," said Chris Tomasso, Chief Marketing Officer of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. "The revitalization of Alderman Plaza has transformed into a vibrant shopping center with easy access from US 19...

Opening Marks Company's Fourth Northern Ohio Restaurant; Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Plans Announced April 06, 2009 // Franchising.com // Bradenton, Fla. – First Watch, the nation's fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant company, expanded its presence in Northern Ohio today with the opening of its fourth area restaurant, conveniently located at the Summit Mall Shopping Center on West Market Street in Fairlawn. The opening marks the company's 20th restaurant in the state of Ohio.

To commemorate the Grand Opening, First Watch, together with the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

"We are pleased to be able to expand our presence in the Northern Ohio market and bring our unique Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch offering to the residents of Fairlawn," said Chris Tomasso, Chief Marketing Officer of First Watch Restaurants, Inc...

New Daytime Café in Palm Harbor Marks First Watch's Sixth Tampa Bay Area Restaurant January 14, 2009 // Franchising.com // Bradenton, Fla. – First Watch, Tampa's choice for "Best Breakfast," as voted on by the readers of Creative Loafing, announced today that it will open a new restaurant at the Alderman Plaza Shopping Center at the Southwest Corner of US 19 and Alderman Road in Palm Harbor. First Watch is the nation's fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept, and the new Palm Harbor restaurant will be the company's 26th in the state of Florida and sixth in the Tampa Bay region.

Construction on the restaurant, which will be approximately 3,600-square-feet and will seat 120 patrons, is expected to begin immediately, with a projected opening this Fall...