In Meridian invasion, chain to open in Idaho brand’s closed flagship restaurant
In a culinary romance that’s moving fast, Florida-based brunch chain First Watch doesn’t just like us, Idaho.
It loves us.
Well, one city.
Storming the Gem State with steel-cut oatmeal and multigrain pancakes, First Watch is planning to unveil its third location in just over a year — all in Meridian. (Oof, Boise. Always a breakfast bridesmaid.)
First Watch expects to open a new restaurant next summer at 6192 N. Linder Road, in Orchard Park, according to spokesperson Mackenzie Garrett. That empty building was the flagship store — and final gasp — for Biscuit & Hogs, an Idaho-based brunch brand that evaporated in late 2024. Remember its hedonistic motto? “Release your inner pig.”
Since making its Idaho debut in May, First Watch has made a strong impression. It brought new life to an old Denny’s building at 3155 E. Fairview Ave., where it’s racked up 4.7 out of 5 stars from hundreds of Google reviews. That restaurant was followed by another at 179 S. Ten Mile Road, where it rates an even higher 4.8 stars.
Locavores might choke on their Boise Farmers Market granola seeing a chain take over where a local business failed — with a not entirely dissimilar concept, to boot. But is another proven, tasty place for breakfast and lunch really such a bad thing, even if it’s an out-of-state invader? Especially when First Watch is less about defibrillator-worthy feasts than 21st century dining?
As a recent Google reviewer observed about First Watch on Ten Mile, “It’s got a mix of more traditional breakfast and things that are more modern such as: juice bar, fancy coffee, avocado toast and bowls.”
Never even heard of First Watch? You’re not alone. But a good portion of America — including Meridian — is in the know. First Watch operates more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, according to a press release.
Calling itself “the leading daytime dining concept” First Watch serves “made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available,” according to the release.
“Guided by its ‘Follow the Sun’ culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon.
“... A recipient of hundreds of local ‘Best Breakfast’ and ‘Best Brunch’ awards, First Watch was voted 2025’s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute (as seen in The Wall Street Journal), after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023 as well.”
