Million Dollar Bacon and Other Culinary Riches

First Watch breakfast, brunch and lunch is far from ordinary

It wasn’t all that long ago that there were no First Watch locations in Northwest Arkansas. But then came Fayetteville and Rogers. And now, there is a third location in Bentonville so you can easily get that delicious Million Dollar Bacon that’s baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple syrup drizzle or the mouth-watering Vanilla Chai Latte Pancakes with fresh sliced bananas, raspberries, maple-chai almond butter and super-seed crunch.

First Watch is neither a young company, nor a passing trend. Founded in 1983 by

Ken Pendery, the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept has established strong roots in healthy harvesting, fresh food and compassion for community. Having both the desire to provide the best quality ingredients to its customers, and the passion for helping those less fortunate is what led the First Watch team to seek the finest ingredients from the best farmers. For one such ingredient, it led them to the heart of Colombia, where they would meet the Mujeres en Café, and create a First Watch exclusive: Project Sunrise coffee. The First Watch team visits and learns from that community, and gives back in ways like improving their schools and investing in their future; and they get some of the world’s best coffee in return — to give to you! “Better Coffee. Better World.” That’s the Project Sunrise promise. With each visit to a First Watch restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a whole pot of their premium roast to start your day off right.

Amanda Lehmann, Director of Operations for the First Watch locations (two in Springfield, one in Joplin, one in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; and now three in Northwest Arkansas), came to the company two years ago “from what you know as Panera,” she says. The hardworking woman in the chef coat can be found cooking, hosting and guiding her staff in best practices at any time in her numerous locales. “Serving people is the best part about working for First Watch,” Amanda notes. “I love being in customer service, and having the fresh food focus just feels right. It feels good to me.”