It's a hit

First Watch Rolling Out Alcohol Menu Around the Country

The Manatee County-based chain is planning to bring its drinks menu to half of its 400-plus locations by the end of 2020.

11/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Day Drinking

First Watch Starts Serving Alcohol

It's the first time the restaurant chain has sold alcohol since its first location opened in 1986.

06/18/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Expansions

First Watch Will Open Chicago This Year

An 4,200-square-foot Oak Brook location is planned for late 2020.

01/28/2020 By Staff

Fast Track

First Watch Hires First Chief Transformation Officer

In his newly created role, Barber is responsible for leading strategy development.

01/15/2020 By Staff

Business

First Watch Selects Manatee County for Site of New Headquarters

The expansion of the company’s headquarters is projected to create a minimum of 85 new jobs, with an expected average salary of nearly $82,000

06/25/2019 By Staff

Health

First Watch Recognized as a 'Food Allergy Champion'

The restaurant has undergone extensive training initiatives.

05/20/2019 By Staff

Public relations

First Watch CEO to Discuss Career at Upcoming Luncheon

Chris Tomasso will be the featured speaker at the next luncheon of the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

02/05/2019 By Staff

Food

Restaurant Chain Publishing New Cookbook

The Sarasota-based restaurant chain First Watch is releasing its first cookbook, Yeah, It's Fresh, on Monday, Nov. 5.

10/11/2018 By Staff

Food

Former Popeyes Executive Joins First Watch

The University Park-based restaurant chain First Watch recently hired Mel Hope as its new chief financial officer.

08/02/2018 By Staff

Food

Restaurant Chain Names New CEO

Chris Tomasso, the president of First Watch, recently took on the additional role of chief executive officer.

06/12/2018 By Staff

Food

Restaurant Chain Named One of America's Best Places to Work

First Watch was recently honored by Business Intelligence Group, which uses crowd-sourced research to recognize top businesses.

05/30/2018 By Staff

New hires

Restaurant Chain Names New Chief Legal Officer

First Watch recently hired Jay Wolszczak as its new chief legal officer and general counsel.

05/02/2018 By Staff

Food

First Watch to Open Eighth Local Restaurant

The University Park-based breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain will open its newest Sarasota restaurant on Monday, Dec. 11.

12/06/2017 By staff

Deals

Private Equity Firm to Make Majority Investment in First Watch

Advent International, a global private equity firm, recently announced that it will make a majority investment in First Watch Restaurants Inc.

08/01/2017 By staff

Hospitality

Restaurant Chain Plans 260-Plus New Locations By 2022

The Univesity Park-based restaurant chain First Watch announced plans to open a minimum of 110 franchise restaurants by 2022, in addition to 150 planned company-owned restaurant openings.

05/01/2017 By staff

Food

Restaurant Chain Opening New Location

University Park's First Watch, the breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, will open its newest restaurant in Riverview, Florida, on Monday, April 17.

04/11/2017 By staff

Tourism

Half Marathon Returns Sunday

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon returns Sunday, March 19, for the 12th year. Last year's race drew 3,000 participants and added almost $3.5 million to the Sarasota economy.

03/16/2017 By staff

New hires

Restaurant Chain Adds Three to Leadership Team

The University Park-based restaurant chain First Watch recently added two new names to its executive team, as well as a vice president to its culinary team.

01/31/2017 By staff

Food

Restaurant Chain Announces 2016 Growth Figures

The University Park-based breakfast and lunch company First Watch this week announced that it grew traffic and sales in 2016.

01/17/2017 By staff

Food

First Watch Expands

The Bradenton-based breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant First Watch officially opened its newest Bradenton restaurant on Monday.

11/28/2016 By staff