The popular daytime dining chain First Watch has opened its doors in Lewes, bringing its well known breakfast, brunch, and lunch experience to one of the fastest growing communities in Coastal Delaware. 

The new restaurant is now serving guests daily from early morning through mid-afternoon, adding another option for residents seeking fresh ingredients, creative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere built around breakfast, brunch, and lunch specialty meals.

A New Addition to the Lewes Dining Scene

Located at 34571 Postal Lane, in Lewes, the new First Watch has taken over the old Bob Evans location and is already drawing attention from locals eager to welcome a national brand known for scratch made dishes and a healthier leaning menu style. 

They operate with a simple model that focuses entirely on breakfast, brunch and lunch, and the Lewes location follows the same approach with hours from 7am to 2:30pm every day.

Lewes continues to attract dining and retail expansions due to strong year round population growth and steady seasonal activity, making it a natural fit for a concept that thrives on morning and midday foot traffic. 

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What First Watch Represents

Many guests find themselves wondering what the name “First Watch” actually means. The term comes from nautical tradition, referring to the very first shift of the morning. 

The company adopted the name as a reflection of its mission to start each day with early preparation, fresh ingredients and kitchen activity that sets the tone before the doors open. 

The brand highlights this idea across its operations, emphasizing that the best part of the day begins at first light.

Teams begin the day slicing produce, juicing fruits and vegetables, and preparing items such as their french toast batter entirely from scratch. 

It is a concept built on freshness rather than pre-packaged or reheated ingredients, which has helped differentiate the chain as it expands into new markets.

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Menu Highlights 

The Lewes menu includes many of the signature dishes and specialty drinks that regulars nationwide have come to expect. 

The restaurant serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items prepared to order, along with seasonal specials and a juice bar that features fruit and vegetable blends made in house.

Some notable offerings include:

• Purple Haze, a juice made with lemon, cane sugar, butterfly pea flower tea and a light note of lavender
• Honey Caramel Crunch Iced Coffee, topped with sweet cream cold foam and toffee nut crumbles
• The Traditional, a plate with two cage free eggs any style, guest choice of breakfast meat, whole grain artisan toast and fresh seasoned potatoes

The menu also includes omelets, frittatas, healthier selections, brunch cocktails and a range of lunch options. 

Many dishes are served with whole grain toast and mixed greens, providing a balance of classic breakfast comfort and lighter alternatives. 

Guests can substitute gluten-free toast at no extra cost, which adds flexibility for dietary needs.

And with an additional rotating seasonal menu, guests are guaranteed to find something they love every time they dine in. 

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A Customer Experience Designed for Daytime Dining

First Watch has built a loyal following by focusing entirely on the part of the day when guests are most energized. 

The Lewes location mirrors the company’s nationwide dining experience, which emphasizes natural lighting, clean presentations and a relaxed pace. 

The restaurant encourages guests to linger over coffee, sample fresh juice blends and enjoy a space designed for morning and afternoon gatherings.

This daytime only model also shapes the atmosphere. Because First Watch closes by mid-afternoon, the environment avoids the evening rush that often defines full service restaurants. 

Many guests prefer this structure for its simplicity and consistency, especially in communities like Lewes where early day dining is popular among locals, remote workers, retirees and seasonal visitors.

Our team stopped in last week, and was incredibly impressed with the new dining option on the block!

What the Opening Means for Lewes

The arrival of First Watch signals continued retail and dining growth in Lewes, which has become a hub for new development in recent years.

With its fresh ingredients, wide-ranging menu and established national reputation, the new location is positioned to become a regular stop for residents who enjoy early day dining and modern breakfast offerings.

If you want to keep up with new business openings, restaurant news and development updates across Coastal Delaware, follow the blog for more local coverage and weekly insights!