First Watch Opens Monday Near Layton Hills Mall

The wait is over for First Watch “watchers” in Layton. For those of us who have been watching the transformation of the former Denny’s building near Layton Hills Mall — First Watch is officially opening on Monday, Nov. 17. This is the third First Watch in Utah, with others in St. George and Pleasant Grove.

First Watch is calls itself a “Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients.”

The restaurant is hosting a “friends and family” trial opening on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 15-16). It’s too late to become a “friend” — by the time I responded to my invitation, all the slots for both days were filled. So I’ll have to wait til its officially opened before checking it out.

The restaurant chain is apparently growing rapidly. As of May 2025, there were 585 locations across 32 states. The concept is majority-owned by Advent International, according to a company press release.

Specialties include the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon (Bacon baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a drizzle of syrup.)

According to its website, First Watch’s menu is seasonally inspired, touting “green California-grown asparagus in April, or the most refreshing Florida watermelon in July, or tender, sweet yellow corn from the midwest in August.”

Other menu highlights are Double Bacon Parmesan Hash, lots of Eggs Benedict variations, and classics like pancakes, waffles and french toast. It sounds like you can go healthy with a Kale Tonic Fresh Juice, or decadent with Cheesecake Holey Donuts with Nutella.

Although this is obviously a breakfast/brunch kind of place, there are seven sandwiches (including a turkey burger and veggie burger) and four salads for a substantial lunch.

I’m looking forward to checking it out!