First Watch to reopen downtown Tampa location

East Manatee County-based First Watch is making a return to downtown Tampa after a couple of years off the grill. 

The company's new 4,000 square-foot, 160-seat location will open Dec. 23 at 400 N. Tampa Street, "steps away" from its original location at 520 N. Tampa St., according to a statement from the daytime dining concept. 

“This restaurant will employ approximately 30 people while operating on a one-shift a day, 'No Night Shifts Ever' approach that enables its teams to enjoy their evenings and build a better quality of life,” the release states. Hours will be 7 a.m until 2:30 p.m. 

The original Tampa First Watch opened in 1996. It was demolished in early 2023 to make way for a 42-story condo tower.

First Watch was founded in Pacific Grove, California, in 1983 by Ken Pendery and John Sullivan and moved its headquarters to east Manatee County in 1986. According to its website, First Watch Restaurant Group operates more than 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 states.

First Watch, which is publicly traded, had $891.6 million in revenue in 2023.