First Watch debuts in Panama City Beach

Award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant First Watch continued its expansion in Florida this week with the opening of its first restaurant in Panama City Beach. The new 4,169 sq. ft., end-cap restaurant, at 11160 Panama City Beach Parkway, features an outdoor patio in the Publix- and Office Depot-anchored Breakfast Point Marketplace. This location brings the total number of First Watch restaurants in its home state of Florida to 36.

The First Watch restaurant is owned and operated by Brad and Keith Dermond, owners of Sunrise Foods, LLC, as part of a multi-unit franchise agreement to open at least three restaurants throughout Panama City, Destin and Fort Walton Beach over the next three years.

Each restaurant will employ approximately 25 people.

“My brother Keith and I are looking forward to becoming actively involved in this market and providing ‘over-the-top’ service to our customers,” said Brad Dermond, co-owner of Sunrise Foods, LLC.

The restaurant features a new interior design concept known as “Connect.” It connects traditional First Watch design elements with contemporary executions by maximizing natural light provided during the restaurant’s daytime hours, and incorporating color tones intended to convey the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand. The design also accentuates an open-kitchen concept, which reinforces First Watch’s honest approach to fresh food preparation.

"The Florida Panhandle was an area highly requested by our fans, and we’re looking forward to working with Brad and Keith to expand our presence even further in this market,” said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch.

A recipient of more than 200 “Best Of” accolades in markets across the country, First Watch features traditional favorites including pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches, as well as signature specialties such as the Chickichanga®, Healthy Turkey Omelet™ and Fresh Fruit Crepes. All menu items are freshly prepared to order and the restaurant does not use deep fryers or heat lamps.

In addition to serving unique and fresh entrées, First Watch offers its exclusive Sunrise Select Premium Blend Coffee. The special blend is made from slow-roasted, hand-selected, high-grown Panamanian, Colombian and Mexican coffee beans.

First Watch serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The restaurant also offers guests complimentary newspapers and free Wi-Fi Internet access.