First Watch developing 130 new restaurants

East Manatee County-based First Watch has more than 130 restaurants in development, company officials announced Tuesday, during a second-quarter financial results call.

“Our growth engine continues to hum and is a particular point of strength for us,” First Watch CEO and President Chris Tomasso says. “Our pipeline for future growth is stronger than ever.”

At the end of the second quarter, First Watch, with a headquarters in University Park, encompasses 538 restaurants. Of those, 459 are company-owned, and 79 are franchise-owned establishments.