First Watch Plans To Open Daytime Cafe in Brandon

First Watch is planning to serve made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch at Lake Brandon Village in Brandon, in a freestanding building expected to open in the summer and to employ about 25 people.

“Over the years, we have received more requests to open a restaurant in Brandon than any other area,” said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch. “We have a long history in the Tampa Bay area and have been fortunate to have built a tremendously loyal following that we are confident will carry over to this new restaurant in Brandon.”

First Watch The Daytime Cafe in Brandon will occupy the 3,400- square-foot space that once housed Blinds To Go, across the street from the Walmart Supercenter on Causeway Blvd. The First Watch cafe will be at 11305 Causeway Blvd., west of Providence Road.

The restaurant will feature an outdoor patio in a shopping center anchored by  Lowe’s, Sports Authority and buybuy Baby.

First Watch has 37 restaurants in Florida and more than 100 nationwide,  according to a company report. When the Brandon First Watch opens, it will be the only Tampa Bay-area restaurant and one of only two in the state in a freestanding outparcel building.

The company reports that First Watch has received several accolades in the area over the years, including “Favorite Business Breakfast” in the Tampa Bay Business Journal Readers’ Choice Awards and “Best Brunch Spot” in the iHeart Tampa Bay Awards.

"As the company celebrates its 30th year, its aggressive growth strategy continues in its home state," the report notes. "News of the Brandon restaurant comes on the heels of three other recent announcements impacting Florida, the opening of the first First Watch in Wellington and plans to open the first restaurant in St. Petersburg and Winter Park during the first half of this year."

The Brandon restaurant reportedly will feature an interior design that maximizes natural light provided during the restaurant’s daytime hours. Selected color tones aim t"to convey the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand." The design "also accentuates an open-kitchen concept, which reinforces First Watch’s honest approach to fresh food preparation."

A recipient of more than 200 “Best Of” accolades in markets across the country, the restaurant 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. All menu items are freshly prepared to order and the restaurant does not use deep fryers or heat lamps. First Watch also can accommodate those with food allergies and those who want healthy lifestyle options.

In addition to serving unique and fresh entrées, First Watch offers its exclusive Sunrise Select Premium Blend Coffee. The special blend is made from slow-roasted, hand-selected, high-grown Panamanian, Colombian and Mexican coffee beans.

First Watch serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The restaurant also offers guests complimentary newspapers and free Wi-Fi Internet access.

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