By Frank D. Quattrone
When our dear granddaughter Jenni invited us to join her for brunch at the First Watch in Villanova several years ago, Eve and I had no idea that it was part of a nationwide restaurant chain. Our meal was so good, so special, and the service so warm and friendly, that we just assumed it was a stand-alone.
Were we ever so wrong—and so very right! After countless visits to the Abington location not far from our home, and now, following two great meals at the Doylestown site, we just had to know more. So, we sat down with Thomas Deems, the general manager of the Doylestown branch, to hear the story.
Open at the Barn Plaza since September 2025, just a stone’s throw from the magical Barnes & Noble, the Doylestown location continues the restaurant group’s unmatched chain of excellence since it was founded in 1983 in Bradenton, Florida. With more than 630 branches situated in thirty-two states, First Watch prides itself on its mission, as promised on its familiar slogan: “We follow the sun,” a reference to its breakfast, brunch and lunch menu concept. First Watch is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The morning of our most recent visit, the restaurant was buzzing with bright conversation and laughter, as guests were digging in to their omelets, frittatas, benedicts, bowls, and sandwiches, accompanied by world-class coffee and juices. At Thomas Deems’s recommendation, I ordered the Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast from the special Winter-Spring Menu.
I make French Toast all the time, but I’ve never tasted one like this! The thickly cut challah bread is dipped in custard, kissed by freshly glazed strawberries and warm dulce de leche (a sugary caramel-like sauce), topped with a dollop of whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by spiced gingerbread crumbles. It more than satisfied my daily breakfast craving, and there was plenty to enjoy the next day!
From the regular menu, Eve ordered the Cobb Salad, a virtual entrée that ultimately lasted for three meals—a hearty bowl of organic mixed greens and romaine, blended with bacon, turkey, and hard-boiled egg, along with tomatoes, avocado, cheddar and Monterey Jack, drizzled with buttermilk ranch dressing, with artisan ciabatta toast on the side. Who needs a big dinner after a brunch like this!
The new menu, “three years in the making,” according to the G.M., is based on regular virtual meetings held every ten weeks, featuring district operators, franchise operators, and general managers, under the direction of Corporate Chef & Vice President of Culinary Strategy Shane Shaibly, with plenty of input from patron responses and preferences.
And the Seasonal Menus, both printed and colorfully etched across a huge chalk board visible throughout the restaurant, tease guests into trying even more choices, like my Tres Leches French Toast and the Chimichurri Steak & Eggs Hash—a bit too filling for my day but a popular seasonal entrée.
Among the most popular items on the regular menu are the so-called “Classics,” including one of my personal favorites—the Tri-Fecta, two cage-free eggs (any style), with your choice of bacon, smoked ham, chicken apple sausage patties, turkey or pork sausage links, served with whole-grain artisan toast and fresh seasoned potatoes. Many guests (including this one) upgrade to First Watch’s signature Million Dollar Bacon, four slices of hardwood-smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar, black pepper, a touch of cayenne, and a drizzle of syrup.
But not all dishes need be as rich as these. First Watch also prides itself on its organic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. One of the most popular is the A.M. Superfoods Bowl, consisting of coconut milk chia seed pudding, fresh sliced bananas and berries, mixed berry compote, house made granola with almonds, served with whole-grain artisan toast with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.
Thomas, the general manager, says that despite the absolute consistency demanded at every First Watch location, “We’re more than willing to accommodate personal preferences. If we can do it, we’re gonna do it, because we respect you and we want you to come back.” The staff, by the way, has a lot to do with return visits. Thomas tells us that their training “includes a focus on hospitality. We want the staff to make you feel special.”
Not just a slogan. They’re always smiling. They take their time with each guest. And our server, Marty Salender, “entertained” us with his gentle sense of humor as we dined. We know the staff at the Abington location by name (and they know ours) and they treat us like long-lost family. Maybe, because of their daytime hours, “they really have a life beyond the work they enjoy.”
No surprise that, as Thomas told us, a new branch of First Watch opens somewhere across the country every single week. So, the next time you feel like “following the sun,” set your course for Doylestown’s First Watch.
First Watch Doylestown is located at 1745 So. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA; 215-792-8027; https://firstwatch.com/locations/doylestown. Open daily for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations not needed; just walk in. But you can “get in line” by ordering online.