First Watch Opens Latest Restaurant South Of Alexandria City Amid NoVA Expansion

FRANCONIA, VA — Breakfast, brunch and lunch chain First Watch opened its newest Northern Virginia location Monday south of Alexandria City, and more locations are planned.

The new restaurant is located in the Franconia area at 7027C Manchester Blvd., Alexandria, VA. There is seating for 170 people, outdoor dining on a covered patio and a dedicated bar serving cocktails and juices.

For the opening, First Watch will offer a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee with their meal from Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22.

"Our Franconia restaurant is the perfect location to kick off an exciting expansion that’s been years in the making, with a fresh take on brunch our customers know and love," said Rob Botelho, vice president of operations at First Watch. "As First Watch approaches two decades in the area, we’re thrilled to share our aspirations to inspire even more good mornings with each of our new openings."

Up to fall 2024, First Watch expects to open two more Northern Virginia restaurants — one at 12249 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fair Lakes and one at 7501 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. A spokesperson also told Patch First Watch is looking for a location in Sterling but has not secured a lease.

First Watch offers a menu of breakfast and lunch options for dine-in, pickup and delivery. Some menu favorites are the Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon. Rotating seasonal offerings are typically offered five times per year. The Franconia restaurant's first seasonal menu will launch in summer 2024. The full menu is available during opening hours 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. daily.

The restaurant is seeking job applicants for its locations, noting that staff never work evenings and nights due to its morning-to-afternoon schedule. The Franconia restaurant will have approximately 30 staff.

For more information, visit firstwatch.com.