First Watch continues growth

BRADENTON — First Watch Restaurants Inc. made its Jacksonville debut with the opening of the first of two planned locations in the area.

The Bradenton-based firm, which saw a 7.2% increase in revenues from 2009 to 2010, plans to employ 25 area residents at the Jacksonville location, adding to the company's nationwide employment of 2,700. Managers at two of the new restaurants opened elsewhere this year reported hiring between 20 and 30 full-time employees.

The Lakewood Ranch-based company launched it newest site amidst a slew of announced openings spanning from Sarasota to Columbus, Ohio. Fifteen new breakfast hubs are expected to open in 2011, and the firm expects the success of its franchise program to increase the total number of restaurants from 86 to 115 by 2012, says Chief Marketing Officer Chris Tomasso in a release.