Yelp’s ‘most-loved’ restaurant brand has never been in Idaho. Now 2 will open in Meridian
A national restaurant chain planning its first foray into Idaho has decided to order a double.
Less than a week after I wrote about Florida-based First Watch opening a Meridian restaurant next year, it’s come to my attention that the expansion actually will be super-sized.
As previously reported, First Watch, which operates 535 restaurants in 29 states, has leased the former Denny’s building at 3155 E. Fairview Avenue, just west of Eagle Road.
But the “daytime cafe” brand recently leased a second Meridian location, too — at 179 S. Ten Mile Road. That’s part of the Discovery mixed-use development just south of Franklin Road.
First Watch is aiming for a spring debut for the Fairview restaurant and early summer for the store on Ten Mile, according to the chain’s media contact. The old Denny’s building is 4,280 square feet. The new construction on Ten Mile is 4,000, according to a press release from Summit Commercial Real Estate Group
Never heard of First Watch? You’re not alone. But a good portion of America is in the know.
When Yelp released its inaugural list of “Most Loved Brands” in 2023 — which included all sorts of businesses — First Watch was the highest-ranked restaurant: No. 4. Trader Joe’s was No. 1 overall, followed by the Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery chain and beverage purveyor Kung Fu Tea.
In case you missed my original write-up days ago, here’s some First Watch enlightenment.
Using fresh ingredients in a kitchen void of heat lamps, microwaves and fryers, First Watch serves made-to-order food from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, according to a media fact sheet.
Based on other locations’ menus, it looks like Idahoans might expect to drop around $12 to $14 for many entrees.
“A recipient of hundreds of local ‘Best Breakfast’ and ‘Best Brunch’ accolades,” the chain says, “First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon.”
Other menu items range from Avocado Toast and Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos to a Superfood Kale Salad and Roast Beef and Havarti Sandwich.
No doubt about it, First Watch is a chain. But it’s definitely not your dad’s greasy breakfast diner. Based on the brand’s continued growth and accolades, it seems poised to settle comfortably into the Meridian restaurant scene next spring — twice.
This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 4:00 AM.