First Watch has signed on to open a new location in the upcoming White Oak Town Center development (12345 Columbia Pike). It will be taking over a corner space, across from the future grocery store anchor that remains to be determined.
The news of First Watch signing on was first reported by BizJournals. The breakfast/brunch restaurant will be joining the recently signed Dave’s Hot Chicken, and the previously signed European Wax Center, Jersey Mike’s, Inspire Nail Bar, Starbucks, and Oak Barrel & Vine.
This First Watch location is expected to serve alcoholic beverages, as the other two Montgomery County locations are in the process of adding them to their menus. First Watch opened its first Montgomery County location in Rockville Town Square in 2007. Seven years later, in 2014, the restaurant opened its second Montgomery County location at 802 Muddy Branch Rd. in Gaithersburg’s Muddy Branch Square- replacing longtime restaurant Finger & Claws.
The name “First Watch” is a nautical reference to the first work shift aboard a ship as First Watch restaurants are only open from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The first location was opened in Pacific Grove, California in 1983 by Ken Pendery and John Sullivan. The chain now has over 500+ locations in 29+ states.