First Watch is neither a young company, nor a passing trend. Founded in 1983 by Ken Pendery, the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept has established strong roots in healthy harvesting, fresh food and compassion for community.
Having both the desire to provide the best quality ingredients to its customers, and the passion for helping those less fortunate is what led the First Watch team to seek the finest ingredients from the best farmers. For one such ingredient, it led them to the heart of Colombia, where they would meet the Mujeres en Café, and create a First Watch exclusive: Project Sunrise coffee. The First Watch team visits and learns from that community, and gives back in ways like improving their schools and investing in their future; and they get some of the world's best coffee in return -- to give to you! "Better Coffee. Better World." That's the Project Sunrise promise. With each visit to a First Watch restaurant, you'll be greeted with a smile and a whole pot of their premium roast to start your day off right.
Director of Operations for the First Watch Springfield, Joplin and now Fayetteville locations, Amanda Lehmann, came to the company, "about a year ago," she said, "from what you know as Panera." The hard-working blonde in the chef coat can be found cooking, hosting and guiding her staff in best practices at any time in her numerous locales. "Serving people is the best part about working for First Watch," said Lehmann. "I love being in customer service, and having the fresh food focus just feels right. It feels good to me."
Dedicated to featuring fresh seasonal produce from local growers whenever possible, First Watch is always coming up with exciting new ways to combine healthy and delicious. Ordering the Tri-Athlete, for example, gets you an egg white omelet with house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and green chilies; and it comes with housemade pico de gallo, whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh fruit. If you're into counting calories or pinching pennies, you'll be thrilled to hear that this champion's breakfast crosses the finish line under ten dollars and only 550 calories! But that's just a taste of what First Watch has to offer. Corporate Chef Shane Schaibly has his finger on the pulse of the industry, and is always keeping things fun and fresh, farm to fork. He's putting out dishes like the Elevated Egg Sandwich; with its over-easy cage-free egg, bacon, Gruyere cheese, fresh smashed avocado, mayo and lemon dressed arugula on a brioche bun and a side of fresh, seasoned potatoes!
Healthy eating is commendable, but if you're into brunching and you love your French Toast extra cinnamon-and-sugary, you needn't worry; just give their Floridian French Toast a try, and you'll see that Chef Schaibly and the First Watch crew definitely have your taste buds in mind as well as your waist, bud. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, in addition to their humongous size; get fresh, whipped ricotta cheese added to their multigrain batter, and are topped with marinated berries and creamy lemon curd. Talk about fresh! Everything here is made from scratch, in house, from their French Toast batter and baked goods to veggies sliced and juices squeezed Fresh. Every. Day.
Another thing First Watch does every day is donate 25 cents from each kids meal to the No Kid Hungry campaign to raise awareness and support for the 12 million American children that suffer from hunger. For the entire month of September, they are going a step further and donating a portion of the proceeds from every Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast sold to No Kid Hungry! Their noble mission is to end childhood hunger in the United States.
Although their Summer menu has retired, that only means more fresh and new creations have arrived for the Fall! It's Pumpkin Pancake season! Also, keep your eyes peeled for their Braised Short Rib Benedict, some Million Dollar Bacon(!), Mixed-Berry Toast, and a new Truffled Wild Mushroom Frittata. First Watch takes pride in their fresh-squeezed juice bar, which is where they'll be fresh-squeezing their featured Fall juice: Carrot Crush. Made with carrot, orange, coconut water, turmeric and lemon; this fresh and tasty drink is sure to make you feel good!
With so much deliciousness, and so much feel-good; First Watch is the new Northwest Arkansas go-to for the greatest breakfast, brunch and lunch experience. If you're looking for a good place to start; try Director of Operations Amanda Lehmann's favorite dish: The Chickichanga!
First Watch
Location:
3251 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone:
479-668-0683
Hours:
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Seven days a week.
Online:
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 09/08/2019