The Fastest Growing Chain Restaurant in America Also Happens To Be My Family’s Favorite

As much as I love one-of-a-kind restaurants and family-owned spots, there is something to be said for recognizing a name and knowing exactly what you'll get when you walk through the doors and have your order placed in front of you—no matter where you are in the world. (I have found this especially true with kids in tow.) Such is the beauty of chains. But chain restaurants can vary in many ways, from what they serve, to the quality of their dishes, to the services they offer. In other words, some are better than others.

One chain stands above the rest for me and my family though, and this unassuming yet endearing spot seems to fly under the radar. At least until recently, when I learned it was the fastest-growing chain in the country. I guess the word is out on First Watch—and I couldn't be happier.

Every time we enter a First Watch, we are greeted with a bustling yet welcoming vibe and a comforting meal that doesn't sacrifice quality and nutrition. Here's my love letter to First Watch.

What You Need to Know About First Watch

A ‘first watch’ is a nautical term that refers to the very first shift of the day—a nod to the hours First Watch restaurants keep. First Watch is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving just one menu with breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

According to the brand, "First Watch is the fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain in America with more than 500 locations in 29 states." This is an impressive stat considering it's a daytime-only concept. Additionally, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant in Yelp’s 50 most-loved brands list in 2023.

I have two in my area and both are always busy, with a staff that is kind, patient, and helpful. You can tell they put an emphasis on customer service and on a fresh, innovative menu. I got more background on the menu from Shane Schaibly, the Senior Vice President of Culinary Strategy at First Watch.

“Our focus on freshness has given us the creativity to elevate our offerings beyond what you’d typically expect for brunch, and that’s played a huge part in our success over the past 40 years,” said Schaibly. “We take great care in changing our seasonal menu five times a year, juicing fresh ingredients like kale and Fuji apple in-house daily and making every dish in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves, or deep fryers. Because of this, we’re known for our healthier items while still encouraging customers to discover new, indulgent, and adventurous flavors."

You can taste that care in the dishes the restaurants serve. Here are some of my family's favorites.

The Best Things to Order From First Watch

• Juices: Let's start with the freshly squeezed juices. My go-to is the Morning Meditation which is orange juice, lemon, turmeric, ginger, agave, and beet juice layered in the glass to feed the eyes first. My daughter loves the Purple Haze, which is equally stunning and features lemonade, butterfly pea flower tea, and a hint of lavender. The Kale Tonic is also refreshing.
• Donuts: Our latest obsession is the Holey Donuts, which we order to share (read: fight over) as soon as we land in a booth. These are newer to the seasonal menu but we hope they never leave.
• A.M. Superfoods Bowl: This is my pick when I want something lighter. Coconut milk chia seed pudding gets topped with fruit and house-made granola. It's served alongside whole grain toast with almond butter—but I often swap this for avocado toast.
• Market Hash: My husband and I both opt for this egg dish nine times out of 10. Eggs cooked to your liking sit on a pile of veggies, cheese, and seasoned potatoes. It's near perfect—especially with hot sauce.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Order the traditional breakfast plate, known as the "Tri-Fecta," or get one as an a la carte add-on. Either way, the pancakes and waffles are not to be missed. And they come in different flavors like banana crunch, blueberry, and chocolate chip (my kids' choice). There are even lemon-ricotta pancakes that I still need to try. All offerings are fluffy on the inside and have crispy edges without being greasy.
• Avocado Toast: You can't go wrong with toast as a vehicle for smashed avocado seasoned with lemon, olive oil, and sea salt and with two basted eggs. First Watch's version always tastes fresh, bright, and satisfying.
• Chickichanga: This is a flavorful choice for those of us who love breakfast burritos. Eggs get wrapped up in a flour tortilla with spicy chicken, chorizo, green chiles, cheese, avocado, and more.
• Million Dollar Bacon: This "swicy" breakfast side dish has become a staple, and it's no wonder. Bacon + brown sugar + black pepper + cayenne, finished with a maple syrup drizzle = magic. According to Schaibly, this is one of First Watch's most popular items, alongside its Avocado Toast.
• Seasonal Specialties: It's always fun to try the features that come through seasonally. We love the pumpkin pancakes and were just recently smitten with the Barbacoa Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl.

Best of all, the First Watch experience is one of community, which for a chain restaurant, allows it to stand out. This local gathering spot has us coming back again and again—and we're clearly not alone.