The popular Tampa Bay brunch spot will be first restaurant to open at the Westshore Business District development
TAMPA, FL (Jan. 28, 2021) – First Watch, the popular breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant with 15 locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, will be the first restaurant to open at Westshore City Center in Tampa, as the 10.4-acre office park transforms into a Class A mixed-use development. The new eatery will occupy a new, 3,764-square-foot stand-alone building at the Westshore Business District property, which is undergoing a $10 million renovation project.
Demolition work is set to start this week at Westshore City Center to prepare the site for First Watch’s restaurant space at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd, which will include a 600-square-foot patio for al-fresco dining. The new, one-story building will replace an existing two-story office structure, which is currently unoccupied. First Watch is slated to open at the beginning of 2022.
Tampa-based Ally Capital Group acquired Westshore City Center in early 2019 and selected Franklin Street to oversee leasing and management for the property. Franklin Street Senior Director Alex Wright represented the landlord in the transaction and arranged the 10-year lease at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd, Suite 100-A. Franklin Street is also providing project management services for the demolition, shell and site work of the new building.
“First Watch has become a staple in Tampa Bay and makes the perfect addition to Westshore City Center as it develops into a true mixed-use destination,” Alex Wright said. “Having a quality, casual breakfast and lunch spot on site will add significant value for our tenants as well as those who live and work in the booming Westshore Business District.”
First Watch specializes in award-winning, made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites, such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty items like Quinoa Power Bowls, Avocado Toast and the Chickichanga.
“This new project for First Watch marks a crucial step in the redevelopment of Westshore City Center as we welcome our first restaurant tenant to the property,” said Andrew Wright, Franklin Street’s CEO and Managing Partner. “We look forward to making several more exciting announcements about Westshore City Center’s transformation in the coming months.”
Built in 1975, Westshore City Center is comprised of five office buildings totaling 300,000 square feet on 10.4 acres. Under Ally Capital Group’s ownership and Franklin Street’s management, the property has received significant cosmetic and structural improvements to create a modernized aesthetic and greater focus on walkability and outdoor space.
Recent improvements include new landscaping, pavement, and walkways across the entirety of the campus. All buildings have received new exterior and interior paint and new energy efficient windows. By the end of the year, all buildings will have updated common spaces, elevators, and restrooms, with modern fixtures and artwork.
Situated at 1111, 1211, 1311, 1401 and 1411 N. Westshore Blvd., the property is adjacent to International Plaza and offers convenient access to Tampa International Airport. The location also provides excellent connectivity throughout the Tampa Bay area via Interstate 275, the Howard Frankland Bridge, and the Veterans Expressway.
About First Watch: First Watch specializes in award-winning, made-to-order Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites, such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty items like Quinoa Power Bowls, Avocado Toast and the Chickichanga. First Watch was recognized as one of TripAdvisor’s Best Restaurant Chains for 2019, one of Business Intelligence Group’s Best Places to Work in 2018 and as one of Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Second 100 restaurant brands. First Watch is the largest and fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the United States with more than 350 restaurants in 32 states, including more than 300 First Watch restaurants and 55 The Egg & I restaurants and one Sun & Fork restaurant. For more information, visit firstwatch.com.
About Ally Capital Group: Ally Capital Group, LLC (“ACG”), invests in Fee Simple and debt instruments associated with real estate assets. Since its inception, the Company has acquired a portfolio of properties in multiple asset classes including multi-family, retail, office, and mixed-use. In addition, ACG has completed commercial real estate development projects and executed on complex distressed opportunities through note acquisitions, recapitalization buyouts, and bankruptcy foreclosures. Learn more about Ally Capital Group at www.allycapitalgroup.com.
About Franklin Street: Founded in 2006 during one of the toughest real estate climates, Franklin Street focuses on delivering value-added solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients. Through a collaborative philosophy of leveraging the resources, expertise and experience of each of its lines of business, Franklin Street has grown to include seven business divisions – Investment Sales, Tenant and Landlord Representation, Capital Advisory, Insurance, Property Management and Project Management. With more than $5 billion in transaction value across all major product types, Franklin Street offers unmatched value and optimal solutions for clients nationwide. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the company has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Atlanta. Learn more about Franklin Street at FranklinSt.com.
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
