Manatee County restaurant giant buys back six franchise locations

Daytime dining pioneer First Watch Restaurant Group has acquired six previously franchise-owned restaurants in the Florida Panhandle. 

The acquisition was funded with cash on hand, according to a statement from the east Manatee County-based company. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome our newest teams in the Florida Panhandle to the First Watch company-owned system,” First Watch CEO and President Chris Tomasso says in the release. “These franchise partners have served the community from Destin to Tallahassee for more than a decade, and we are thankful for their dedication and help in a successful transition.”