BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A national restaurant chain known for its made-to-order brunch specialties prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients will soon have a presence in the Lehigh Valley.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is coming soon to 2102 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is coming soon to 2102 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. The site was previously home to a Ruby Tuesday restaurant.
Ryan Kneller
The property was previously home to the last Lehigh Valley location of Ruby Tuesday, a casual, full-service chain known for its “simple fresh American dining,” which closed in January 2025.
According to Bethlehem Township manager Doug Bruce, First Watch has been issued a demolition permit for the Emrick Boulevard site, but no building permit has been issued yet.
Additionally, interior demolition was underway this week, and an on-site contractor informed 69 News that the First Watch restaurant is expected to open at the property in late spring or early summer following renovations.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is coming soon to 2102 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. The site was previously home to a Ruby Tuesday restaurant.
Ryan Kneller
First Watch serves made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch “using the freshest ingredients available,” according to a company profile.
The chain has a “follow the sun” culinary philosophy, and its chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature high-quality flavors at their peak.
“Just as we greet each morning with the sunrise, we welcome each season into the First Watch menu with ingredients and flavors inspired by the position of the sun,” reads a message on First Watch’s website.
“That’s why on our menu you’ll find vibrant, green California-grown asparagus in April, or the most refreshing Florida watermelon in July, or tender, sweet yellow corn from the midwest in August.”
First Watch offers classic favorites such as “the traditional” platter (two cage-free eggs any style with whole-grain artisan toast, seasoned potatoes and choice of bacon, smoked ham, chicken apple sausage patties, turkey or pork sausage links); omelets and frittatas such as a chile chorizo omelet and smoked salmon and roasted vegetable frittata; and “from the griddle” options such as Belgian waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes and Floridian French Toast (thick-cut baked challah bread with fresh banana, kiwi, seasonal berries and powdered cinnamon sugar).
First Watch logo
By First Watch Restaurants, Inc.
Guests can also enjoy “egg-sclusives” such as farm stand breakfast tacos, biscuits and turkey sausage gravy with eggs and market hash (two cage-free eggs any style atop seasonal potatoes, house-roasted crimini mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, red peppers, baby spinach, melted mozzarella and herbed goat cheese, served with whole-grain artisan toast); and sandwiches such as roast beef and Havarti, ham and Gruyere melt and Monterrey club (turkey, bacon, avocado, organic mixed greens, tomato, Monterey jack and mayonnaise on sourdough).
Other menu highlights include power bowls such as pesto chicken quinoa; salads such as chicken avocado chop and sweet honey pecan; and “healthier side” options such as avocado toast and steel-cut oatmeal.
“It takes time to uncover the best ingredients, to build relationships with bakers, makers and growers, and to explore the most delicious way to feature these ingredients on our menu,” reads a message on First Watch’s website.
“We believe that our attention to detail translates into your oozing egg yolk moment, brunch cheers and a million dollar morning.”
The restaurant’s latest menu brings back fan-favorite seasonal hits, including blueberry lemon cornbread, chimichurri steak and eggs, strawberry leches French toast and million dollar bacon (four slices of signature hardwood-smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a drizzle of maple syrup).
The restaurant also offers fresh juices made with all-natural ingredients such as “Morning Meditation” (orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet); and specialty iced coffee such as honey caramel crunch and mint mocha.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is coming soon to 2102 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. The site was previously home to a Ruby Tuesday restaurant.
Ryan Kneller
The Bethlehem Township location of First Watch will be the chain’s first Lehigh Valley restaurant.
Nearby locations operate in Doylestown Township, Bucks County; Montgomery Township, Montgomery County; Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County; and Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.
First Watch prioritizes giving back to its local communities, and for every kid’s meal served, First Watch donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in communities – raising more than $1.7 million to date.