BRADENTON, Fla. -First Watch Restaurants, Inc., the leading Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch concept, today announced the acquisition of Arizona-based restaurant company The Good Egg; including the brand, concept, all intellectual property and all 20 restaurants. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the move solidifies First Watch's position as the fastest-growing daytime-only company in the U.S.
"This acquisition significantly accelerates our growth in a very desirable market and strengthens our scope and reach in the Southwest," said Ken Pendery, president and CEO of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. "The Good Egg is a well-established concept that was developed in Arizona, grew successfully, and has built a loyal and passionate customer base that we plan to nurture and grow."
The current owners of The Good Egg opened the first restaurant in 1987 at 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd. Original partners Charlie Syburg and Tom Barnett grew the concept to a total of 20 restaurants through organic growth and acquisition. There are currently 15 restaurants in the metro-Phoenix market and five restaurants in Southern Arizona. As the concept grew, Matt Trusela and Frank Collins joined as operating partners and will continue in their roles providing leadership in Arizona.
"Combining The Good Egg with First Watch represented a true strategic alignment and will provide our concept with the necessary resources to continue to grow," said Syburg. "Additionally, our employees who have made the Good Egg one of Arizona's best places for breakfast will have new and challenging career opportunities as part of First Watch's aggressive national growth plans. We are grateful to our loyal customers and confident that this combination will continue to provide them with the service, quality and value they have come to expect."
Kevin Hall, one of First Watch's most seasoned operators with more than 20 years of experience with the company, will lead the operations of The Good Egg restaurants working closely with Trusela and Collins. There will be no interruption in business as part of the transaction.
There are currently three First Watch restaurants in the Phoenix market which will remain open as usual following the transaction.
About First Watch
First Watch has specialized in award-winning, made-to-order Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch for nearly 30 years. A recipient of more than 200 "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, to unique specialty items like the fan-favorite Chickichanga® and Fresh Fruit Crepes. It is currently the largest and fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the U.S. with more than 115 restaurants in 16 states and additional units under development as part of the Bradenton, Fla.-based company's aggressive growth strategy. It also operates 20 restaurants under The Good Egg name in Arizona bringing its total unit count to 137. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.