Company Snapshot: First Watch Restaurants Inc.

Address:
8027 Cooper Creek Blvd, #103
University Park, FL 34201

Telephone:
941-907-9800

Internet Homepage:
www.firstwatch.com

Total Current Locations:
100+

Trading Areas:
AZ, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, WV, WI

2012 Systemwide Sales:
$100,000,000 (e)

Senior Executives:
CEO, President: Kenneth L. Pendery Jr.
CFO: Kenneth J. Cruley
CMO: Christopher A. Tomasso
CDO: Richard Renninger

A “first watch” is a nautical term that refers to the first shift of the day. In keeping with that premise, First Watch Restaurants serve only breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Initially opened in Pacific Grove, CA, thirty years ago this year, the First Watch chain has grown to more than 100 locations in 15 states. Now headquartered in the Sarasota/Bradenton area on the west coast of FL, the company is expanding north and west as well as growing in its existing markets. Restaurants recently opened in Timonium, MD, and Carmel, IN, as well as St. Petersburg, FL. The company was acquired from Catterton Partners by Freeman Spogli & Co. in December 2011.

The restaurants open at 7:00 am  and close at 2:30 pm. The menu includes omelets, crepes, pancakes and waffles, French toast, eggs Benedict, muffins, oatmeal, and other traditional breakfast foods as well as salads and sandwiches. The menu also features Healthier Side options that focus on egg white omelets, fruit crepes, and other health-friendly items.

In 2012, First Watch acquired two J. Christopher restaurants to enter the Atlanta, GA, metro market and has since remodeled and reopened them as First Watch locations. In a recent interview, the CEO of the company did not rule out further acquisitions. The company is also seeking franchisees throughout much of eastern and central United States.