First Watch is ready to make its Idylwood introduction.
The daytime cafe chain, which has been expanding its Northern Virginia presence in recent years, will officially open to the general public at Idylwood Plaza (7501 Leesburg Pike) next Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Prospective patrons who signed up for a pre-opening VIP list received emails earlier this week offering a complimentary meal on Sunday or Monday (Feb. 16-17) as part of a “friends and family” event, but the limited number of available seats quickly filled up.
Anyone who didn’t snag an invitation can still take advantage of a perk: a free cup of coffee will come with every meal ordered from opening day through Friday, Feb. 21.
Started in Pacific Grove, California, in 1983, and now based in Brandenton, Florida, First Watch has more than 500 restaurants nationwide. The Idylwood location will be its sixth in the Fairfax area, joining cafes in Franconia, Fair Lakes, Bailey’s Crossroads, Chantilly and Fairfax City.
Additional locations in Reston and Groveton — where the chain is respectively taking over a former Carrabba’s Italian Grill near RTC West and a Boston Market in Beacon Center — are still on track to open this spring, a First Watch spokesperson told FFXnow.
Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day, the 4,000-square-foot Idylwood cafe will seat more than 160 people with a covered patio and an indoor/outdoor juice bar.
Known for its revolving seasonal menu, which will roll out in Idylwood this spring, First Watch emphasizes its use of fresh ingredients for a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes. More from a press release on what to expect:
First Watch is widely beloved for its modern take on breakfast and brunch. Dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers. In addition to familiar favorites like omelets and The Traditional, First Watch’s diverse menu – which is available all day – also includes innovative dishes, such as Avocado Toast, Farmhouse Hash, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and its signature Million Dollar Bacon, as well as sandwiches and salads, including the Superfood Kale Salad.
The Falls Church team will start each morning juicing fresh fruits and vegetables to make their signature fresh juices, which are served from the dedicated bar. It also brews its socially responsible Project Sunrise coffee, sourced by women coffee farmers based in South America. To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at Falls Church Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, February 21 will receive a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee with their meal.
Five times a year, First Watch offers a revolving seasonal menu that follows the position of the sun to source fresh ingredients. The Falls Church restaurant will offer its first seasonal menu in Spring of 2025.
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. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at careers.firstwatch.com.
