First Watch is a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch items in a casual dining environment. The franchise emphasizes fresh, high-quality menu options served throughout the day.

Key Insights
- First Watch began as a small breakfast and lunch cafe, evolving into a national restaurant brand with a commitment to fresh, made-to-order dishes and a focus on daytime dining, establishing a presence across various markets.
- The franchise operates with a business model centered on serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a casual, welcoming environment, offering a distinct dining experience that caters to a specific consumer preference for daytime meals.
- Operating within the expansive restaurant industry, the business occupies a niche in the fast-casual segment, capitalizing on consumer trends favoring healthy and elevated breakfast and lunch options.

Franchise Fee and Costs to Open
Exploring the financial picture of First Watch gives insight into both the upfront commitment and the potential revenue opportunity. According to FDD Item 7, opening this franchise typically involves an investment in the range of $1,210,150 - $2,028,800, along with a franchise fee of $40,000 - $40,000.
Financial Performance and Revenue
Training and Resources
First Watch provides comprehensive training for new franchisees. The initial training program, lasting approximately 8 weeks, takes place at their corporate training facility in Florida. This program offers extensive instruction on operational procedures and brand standards. First Watch also provides ongoing support and resources to assist franchisees in establishing and running their First Watch restaurant.
Legal Considerations
Legal considerations for a First Watch franchisee are defined by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the Franchise Agreement. This franchise does not disclose lawsuits or bankruptcy information in its FDD, but prospective franchisees should still review all terms thoroughly. Consultation with a qualified attorney is essential before making commitments.
Challenges and Risks
Operating a First Watch-style restaurant franchise presents considerations such as navigating a competitive local dining landscape, managing the daily intricacies of kitchen and front-of-house operations, and ensuring consistent availability from potentially specific suppliers for fresh ingredients, all of which require diligent attention to maintain operational standards.
Franchise Datasheet
FAQs
What is the minimum cash required to open a First Watch franchise?
How can I estimate the profitability and return on investment (ROI) of a First Watch franchise?
What is the franchisee fee for a First Watch franchise?
How to open a First Watch franchise?
How many locations does First Watch have?
Get insider access to franchise insights
Subscribe to receive expert tips, franchise rankings, and exclusive data straight to your inbox, trusted by thousands of aspiring business owners and investors.
Franchise resources & insights
Explore expert guides, data-driven articles, and tools to help you make smarter franchise decisions, whether you're just starting out or ready to invest.