First Watch Restaurants, Inc., the leading Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch concept, today announced that it has acquired the two company-owned restaurants of Atlanta-based J. Christopher’s Restaurants, LLC as well as the rights to purchase the brand, concept and all intellectual property. Terms of the deal were not announced.
“Expanding First Watch into Atlanta is an integral component of our market development strategy following our recent successful expansion into Jacksonville and Nashville,” said Ken Pendery, President and CEO of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. “Acquiring these two high-performing J. Christopher’s restaurants is an ideal way for us to establish an immediate, solid base upon which we can expand throughout not only Atlanta but Georgia and the rest of the Southeast.”
The restaurants being acquired are located at 11720 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, Ga., and 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna, Ga. in the Ivy Walk center. They will be converted to First Watch restaurants over a period of a few months. Existing management and staff will be retained to ensure a smooth transition for customers as the restaurants are converted to the First Watch concept.
Founded in 1996, the first J. Christopher’s restaurant opened in Marietta, Ga. In 2009, industry veterans Dick Holbrook and Sam Haddock acquired the rights to J. Christopher’s from original founders Jay McCann and Chris Brogdon who retained 19 restaurants under various license or franchise agreements.
“We welcome the First Watch brand into the Atlanta market and are certain that that they will enjoy the same level of success that they have in so many other communities. We’re positive that existing customers of these two J. Christopher’s restaurants will come to know and love First Watch and its unique offerings,” said Dick Holbrook, Chief Executive Officer of J. Christopher’s Restaurants, LLC.
Once converted, both the Johns Creek Village and Ivy Walk restaurants will feature an interior design concept that maximizes the natural light provided during the restaurants’ daytime hours – conveying the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand.
First Watch serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The restaurant also offers guests complimentary newspapers and free Wi-Fi Internet access.
For First Watch franchise information, visit http://www.firstwatch.com/franchise-overview.htm.
First Watch has specialized in award-winning, made-to-order Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch for nearly 30 years. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, to unique specialty items like the fan-favorite Chickichanga® and Fresh Fruit Crepes. It is currently the largest and fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the U.S. with nearly 100 restaurants in 14 states and additional units under development as part of the Bradenton, Fla.-based company’s aggressive growth strategy. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.
