First Watch, the nation’s leading Daytime Dining brand, is accelerating its national expansion with plans to open between 59 and 64 new restaurants in 2025. Already off to a strong start, the company opened 13 new restaurants in 10 states during the first quarter alone, bringing its total to 584 locations across 31 states.
A Strong Start to the Year
As of March 2025, First Watch operates 498 company-owned and 86 franchise-owned restaurants.
CEO & President Chris Tomasso said during the company’s Q1 earnings call:
“First quarter same-restaurant traffic results are encouraging and continued the trends we experienced exiting 2024, demonstrating both the strength and resilience of the First Watch brand.”
Notably, new locations opened in 2024 and early 2025 have exceeded expectations, even amid economic uncertainty, proving the brand’s ability to thrive in a competitive environment.
Where First Watch Has Opened in 2025
In the first three months of 2025, First Watch opened 13 restaurants across the following states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The Hanover, MA opening marked the company’s first-ever New England location. A second Massachusetts restaurant will debut later this year on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay — a high-profile milestone for the brand’s Northeast growth strategy.
New Markets Ahead in 2025
Looking forward, First Watch has announced new restaurant openings across 21 states for the remainder of 2025, including:
Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin
Highlights include:
- Nevada: First Watch’s debut in Las Vegas (Craig Road) this summer, officially making Nevada the 32nd state with a First Watch location.
- Tennessee: The brand’s first Memphis restaurant, scheduled to open in September 2025.
- Idaho: First Watch entered its 31st state with an opening in May 2025.
Continuing the Growth Story
With a track record of averaging one new restaurant opening per week, First Watch is well-positioned to reach its long-term vision of operating 2,200 locations nationwide.
Backed by strong financial performance — including over $1 billion in 2024 revenue — and its chef-driven rotating menu that delights guests with seasonal innovation, First Watch is reinforcing its leadership as the go-to breakfast, brunch, and lunch brand in America.
About First Watch
First Watch is an award-winning daytime dining concept with more than 580 restaurants across 31 states. Known for fresh, made-to-order dishes and hospitality-driven culture, the brand has been recognized as Newsweek’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America (2024) and Yelp’s Top Restaurant Brand (2023).
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