Popular breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is set to open this summer on Merritt Island

Suzy Fleming Leonard, Florida Today
·2 min read

What's for breakfast, Merritt Island? Avocado toast, Million Dollar Bacon and power bowls from First Watch.

The Bradenton-based breakfast, lunch and brunch cafe is set to open this summer at 795 E. Merritt Island Causeway, a space previously occupied by Bonefish Grill, public relations manager Hunter Carpenter said via email.

This will be Brevard County's third First Watch. The first opened in 2017 at 2328 Citadel Way, Viera; the second opened early last year at 1900 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, the former site of Red Robin.

First Watch restaurants feature seasonal, chef-inspired dishes served in a rustic, urban farmhouse atmosphere.

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In addition to oatmeal, pancakes and waffles, the menu includes:

Avocado Toast is one of the popular dishes at First Watch restaurants. The Bradenton-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is set to open a restaurant on Merritt Island this summer.
Avocado Toast is one of the popular dishes at First Watch restaurants. The Bradenton-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is set to open a restaurant on Merritt Island this summer.

  • Barbacoa Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl with braised beef barbacoa tossed with cheese, salsa roja and crispy corn tortilla chips, served with scrambled eggs and black beans and topped with fresh avocado, lime crema, Cotija cheese and scallions.

  • Blackberry Lemon Cream French Toast with thick-cut, custard-dipped challah bread griddled and topped with lemon cream, fresh blackberries, mixed berry compote, creme anglaise and spiced gingerbread cookie crumbles.

  • Avocado Toast with thick-cut whole grain artisan bread, smashed avocado, EVOO, lemon and Maldon sea salt with two basted eggs.

  • Kale Tonic Fresh Juice

  • Market Veggie sandwich with house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, zucchini and spinach with basil pesto, mayo and Mozzarella on grilled artisan whole grain bread.

"Neighbors interested in keeping up with the latest about the new restaurant are encouraged to sign up for First Watch’s e-newsletter on firstwatch.com," Carpenter said in the email.

Floridian French Toast at First Watch features lots of fresh fruit. The Bradenton-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is set to open a restaurant on Merritt Island this summer.
Floridian French Toast at First Watch features lots of fresh fruit. The Bradenton-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is set to open a restaurant on Merritt Island this summer.

There are more than 500 First Watch restaurants in 29 states, and the restaurant concept is majority-owned by Advent International, one of the world's largest private equity firms, according to the First Watch website.

Suzy Fleming Leonard is a features journalist with more than three decades of experience. Reach her at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Find her on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard. 

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: First Watch set to open on Merritt Island in summer 2024