First Watch Brings a Fresh Take on Breakfast to the Heart of Back Bay

Rhea-AI Summary

First Watch (NYSE:FWRG) opened a new Boylston Street restaurant in Back Bay, Boston on January 7, 2026 at 777 Boylston St. The 3,100-square-foot location seats 130 guests, includes an outdoor patio, a full interior bar, a Back Bay mural and custom signage by local artist Blind Fox. To celebrate the opening, dine-in guests receive a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee Jan 7–9, 2026, and the team hosted a “first pour” ceremony with local representatives and community fundraising for The Jimmy Fund.

First Watch serves made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., highlights Project Sunrise coffee sourced from women farmers, and operates over 620 restaurants in 32 states.

Key Figures

Current price $15.90 Pre‑news trading level for FWRG

52-week range $12.90–$22.71 Price vs. 52-week low/high before this article

Opening size 3,100 square feet New Boylston Street Boston restaurant footprint

Seating capacity 130 guests Indoor and patio seating at new Back Bay location

Community donations More than $1.7 million Raised to date from kids’ meal program

System restaurants More than 620 Locations across 32 states as highlighted in release

Q3 2025 revenue $316.0M Total revenues for thirteen weeks ended Sep 28, 2025

Same-restaurant sales 7.1% growth Q3 2025 same-restaurant sales performance

Market Reality Check

$15.25 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,034,852 is 1.77x the 20-day average of 1,150,781 shares ahead of this local-opening news. high

Technical Shares at $15.90 are trading below the 200-day MA of $17.01, with the stock also 29.99% below its 52-week high of $22.71.

Peers on Argus

FWRG was down 1.06% while peers were mixed: SG (+7.98%), KRUS (+2.33%), CBRL (+8.17%), BH (+5.65%) and HDL (‑6.89%). This points to stock-specific trading rather than a broad restaurant-sector move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 29	Board appointment	Positive	-2.5%	New director with digital and customer analytics expertise joined the board.
Nov 25	Investor conferences	Positive	+6.3%	Announced participation in two December investor conferences with webcasts.
Nov 13	Investor conference	Positive	+1.1%	Planned fireside chat and investor meetings at Stephens conference.
Nov 05	Secondary offering	Negative	-3.9%	Announced secondary sale of 5,289,784 shares by Advent-managed funds.
Nov 04	Earnings release	Positive	+11.0%	Reported strong Q3 2025 growth, higher margins, and raised full-year guidance.

Pattern Detected

Price has generally moved in line with news tone, with 4 aligned reactions and 1 divergence over the last five events.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, First Watch has combined strong operating performance with capital markets activity and governance changes. Q3 2025 results on Nov 4, 2025 showed total revenues of $316.0M, system-wide sales of $352.7M, and 7.1% same-restaurant sales growth, triggering an 11.04% move higher. A secondary offering of 5,289,784 shares by Advent-linked holders on Nov 5, 2025 preceded a 3.9% decline. Investor conference participation later in November and a new board appointment on Dec 29, 2025 rounded out a period of active investor engagement leading into this Boylston Street opening.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights continued New England expansion with a new 3,100-square-foot Boylston Street restaurant seating 130 guests, reinforcing First Watch’s growth beyond prior milestones like reaching more than 620 locations. Recent disclosures showed strong Q3 2025 revenue of $316.0M and ongoing new-unit openings. Investors monitoring this development may focus on how additional Boston locations contribute to traffic, brand awareness, and the company’s broader multi-state daytime dining strategy.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The Beloved Brand Expands Massachusetts Footprint with Boylston Street Opening

BOSTON, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch, the leading daytime dining brand known for its chef-driven breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, has officially opened its newest Boston location in the heart of Back Bay. Following its successful introduction to the region with the Hanover opening in January 2025, the restaurant continues its New England expansion with the debut of its Boylston location at 777 Boylston St. in Boston.

At 3,100 square feet, the new First Watch features seating for 130 guests, including an outdoor patio, ideal for warmer months, a Back Bay inspired mural and a full interior bar where customers can enjoy brunch cocktails like the Million Dollar Bloody Mary, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate and Mimosas. As part of its commitment to local culture and community, the Boylston location also showcases a custom Boston inspired signage installation at the entrance of the restaurant, by local artist Blind Fox (@BlindFoxArt).

First Watch is known for its modern approach to breakfast and brunch, with every dish made to order using the freshest ingredients and no heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers. Fan favorites include Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Farmhouse Hash, The Traditional Breakfast and the brand’s signature Million Dollar Bacon. The all-day menu also offers lunch options such as the Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl, Superfood Kale Salad and handcrafted sandwiches.

First Watch’s Boylston team will start each morning juicing fresh fruits and vegetables for an array of fresh juices, including Morning Meditation, Kale Tonic and Purple Haze. The restaurant also takes immense pride in its socially responsible Project Sunrise coffee, sourced by women coffee farmers based in South America. To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at Boylston Wednesday, January 7 through Friday, January 9 will receive a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee with their meal.

To commemorate the official opening, First Watch hosted a spirited “first pour” ceremony, where members of the restaurant’s leadership team raised a toast alongside state representatives as special guest Wally the Green Monster poured the brand’s signature Project Sunrise coffee. The celebration followed a week of community engagement during which the Boylston team collected donations for the company’s charitable partner, The Jimmy Fund.

“We are thrilled to continue growing within the Boston area and to introduce First Watch’s chef-driven menu to the vibrant Back Bay community,” said Mike Lankowski, Regional Vice President of First Watch. “Boylston Street is an iconic location, and we look forward to becoming a neighborhood favorite where locals and visitors alike can start their day.”

First Watch’s full menu is available daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. To place an order or join a digital waitlist, visit firstwatch.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook with @FirstWatch.

About First Watch
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted 2025’s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute (as seen in The Wall Street Journal), after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023 as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 620 restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Steven L. Marotta
941-500-1918
investors@firstwatch.com

Media Relations Contact
Jenni Glester
407-864-5823
jglester@firstwatch.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c4c5deb-eb7d-423e-84b9-4406bd14dd81

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63e88085-62cb-4ae2-93d1-9ac201068f73

 

FAQ

When did First Watch (FWRG) open its Boylston Street location in Boston?

The Boylston Street restaurant opened on January 7, 2026 at 777 Boylston St in Back Bay.

What are the size and seating capacity of First Watch FWRG's Boylston restaurant?

The new location is 3,100 square feet with seating for 130 guests, including an outdoor patio.

What are First Watch FWRG Boylston's hours and service options?

First Watch Boylston is open daily for pickup, delivery and dine-in from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What promotional offer did First Watch (FWRG) run for the Boylston opening?

Dine-in customers at Boylston received a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee January 7–9, 2026.

What local and community elements does First Watch FWRG's Boylston location feature?

The restaurant includes a Back Bay inspired mural, custom signage by local artist Blind Fox, and community fundraising for The Jimmy Fund.

How many First Watch locations does the company (FWRG) operate and what is Project Sunrise?

First Watch operates over 620 restaurants in 32 states; Project Sunrise is the brand's socially responsible coffee sourced from women coffee farmers in South America.