First Watch expands outside Baltimore

UNIVERSITY PARK — First Watch will grow its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, with a new store in Gaithersburg, Md.

One of the largest breakfast, brunch lunch chains in the country, First Watch says the new location will open this summer. The restaurant, according to a release, will have about 25 employees. First Watch currently has three other Maryland locations, in Pikesville, Rockville and Timonium. The new location, the release states, is a 3,900-square-foot restaurant in the Giant Food-anchored Muddy Branch Square plaza.

“As we look for areas to expand our First Watch presence, Muddy Branch, with its small town charm and deep history, was a natural fit for our local, neighborhood feel,” First Watch Chief Marketing Officer Chris Tomasso says in the release.

First Watch, named a 2013 “Next 20” emerging brand by Nation's Restaurant News, has more than 115 restaurants in 16 states. It also operates 20 restaurants under The Good Egg name in Arizona.