New breakfast, brunch, lunch restaurant coming to Lexington’s Leestown Road area

A new dining option is coming to the west side of Lexington, filling in a spot that has been vacant since the COVID pandemic began in 2020.

First Watch , a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, will be going into the former A&W location in Townley Center at 124 Towne Center Dr.

The A&W burger restaurant was one of three in Lexington, which is where the chain is now headquartered. The spot off Leestown Road never reopened after the initial COVID pandemic shutdown. Only the Hamburg A&W location remains open.

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First Watch is only open for breakfast and lunch, with a menu that includes traditional favorites such as waffles, pancakes and eggs as well as omelets, frittatas, grain power bowls, salads and sandwiches. The restaurants typically are open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Now, One Holland Restaurant Group is bringing a First Watch to the spot, near Drake’s.

“We worked out a deal with Dennis Anderson,” said Gary Holland. “That part of town, we felt, needed a good solid breakfast and brunch option. We won’t start our construction, mid-late September. Our goal is to be open February 2025. That will be our 18th First Watch.”

One Holland is also building a location in Frankfort, 102 Limestone in front of the Norton Healthcare Center, near Ollie’s Bargain Barn.

“We’re really excited to have their breakfast food,” Anderson said. “We’re excited to have them on board.”

First Watch Central Kentucky, Lexington locations

There are four First Watch locations in Lexington, with another in Brannon Crossing in Nicholasville, one in Richmond and another in Georgetown.

One Holland Restaurant Group operates First Watch franchises as well as Skyline Chili and LaRosa’s Pizza, as well as some Graeter’s Ice Cream locations, Dunkin’ and other restaurants. Holland also owns Merrick Inn, a longtime fine dining restaurant in Lexington .

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