A national chain eatery’s first regional location in coming to Bethlehem Township.
Bradenton, Florida-based First Watch plans to open in the 4,673-square-foot building that previously housed Ruby Tuesday, 2102 Emrick Blvd. Ruby Tuesday shut down its last regional location about a year ago and the space has sat idle ever since.
Samantha Smith, the township’s community development director, told lehighvalleylive.com the chain has secured its demolition permit. The project is an “upfit from one restaurant to another,” so it doesn’t need zoning or supervisors’ approval, Smith said.
It’s unclear when First Watch plans to open. Jenni Glester, who handles media relations for the chain, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Tuesday morning. An onsite contractor told WFMZ-69 News renovation work was expected to be completed in time for a late spring to early summer opening.
First Watch has more than 600 company-owned and franchise-owned locations in 32 states. Statewide, there are nine locations, with the next closest sites in Doylestown, Bucks County and Montgomeryville, Montgomery County.
First Watch serves up breakfast, brunch and lunch selections all made-to-order.
That’s where the eatery gets its name. A “first watch” is a nautical term that refers to the first shift of the day. The chain has a “follow the sun” culinary philosophy, meaning the menu rotates five times a year to stay in season.
Guests can enjoy green California-grown asparagus in April, Florida-grown watermelon in July, or sweet midwest yellow corn in August, chain representatives say.
The vast menu includes traditional breakfast staples such as classic eggs Benedict, omelets, frittatas, multigrain pancakes, Belgian waffles and french toast. Then there’s such items as lemon ricotta pancakes or Floridian-style French Toast, topped with an assortment of fresh fruit.
For brunch, patrons might opt for the farm stand breakfast tacos or such sandwiches such as Roast Beef & Havarti or the Monterey club, served with turkey breast, hardwood smoked bacon, avocado, organic mixed greens, tomato, Monterey jack and mayo on sourdough.
There’s an assortment of “power bowls.” Think such ingredients as quinoa, Italian sausage, house-roasted crimini mushrooms and tomatoes, as well as kale, parmesan, lemon white balsamic dressing and extra virgin olive oil. Some choices can be topped with two basted cage-free eggs.
For lunch, salads include superfood kale; chicken avocado chop; and sweet honey pecan.
Some of the latest seasonal items currently include Blueberry Lemon cornbread, Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast and “Million Dollar Bacon”: four slices of hardwood-smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a drizzle of maple syrup.
It all gets washed down with an assortment of all-natural fruit juices, coffee, milk and soft drinks. Some signature beverages include the “Morning Meditation,” complete with orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet; and the “Purple Haze,” with lemon, cane sugar, butterfly pea flower tea and a hint of lavender.
Most First Watch locations are open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.
Bradenton, Florida-based First Watch plans to open in the 4,673-square-foot building that previously housed Ruby Tuesday, 2102 Emrick Blvd. Ruby Tuesday shut down its last regional location about a year ago and the space has sat idle ever since. Crews currently are working on interior renovations for the new restaurant.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com