BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A national, full-service restaurant chain known for its 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 set to open on Monday, June 15, at 2102 Emerick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, according to Mackenzie Garrett, First Watch’s public relations manager.
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 Emerick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township.
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.
The Bethlehem Township location will total approximately 4,300 square feet and will feature a new outdoor dining patio, Garrett said.
The restaurant will offer seating for more than 170 guests across its indoor and outdoor dining areas, and there also will be a locally inspired mural, Garrett said.
Hours will be 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, and pickup, delivery and dine-in service will be available.
To celebrate the Bethlehem Township restaurant’s opening, dine-in customers visiting the restaurant between Monday, June 15, and Friday, June 19, will receive free unlimited Project Sunrise coffee with their meal, Garrett said.
First Watch
“The Bethlehem [location’s] opening will create approximately 30 new jobs in the community and will operate on a one-shift a day, ‘No Night Shifts Ever’ approach that enables its teams to enjoy their evenings,” Garrett said.
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
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).
“All dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers,” Garrett said. “Fan favorites include avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and million-dollar bacon.”
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 cremini 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).
First Watch
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 spring menu features vibrant flavors and beloved classics, including strawberry tres leches French toast, blueberry lemon cornbread, chimichurri steak and eggs hash and “The B.E.C.” (bacon, egg and cheddar featuring hardwood-smoked bacon, folded cage-free eggs, aged cheddar, house-pickled sweet peppers and arugula with Calabrian chili aioli and roasted garlic aioli on griddled artisan sourdough bread; served with lemon-dressed organic greens).
First Watch
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 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.