First Watch sports fresh food to start your day

One meal and she was hooked.

Taking a friend's advice, Chris Dadtka tried out First Watch a few weeks ago. Since then she's been back several times for the atmosphere, experience and of course, the food.

"This is my new favorite restaurant," said Dadtka, of Greenfield. "The food is fresh tasting, healthy and not oily at all. It's a little difficult to find, but it's worth looking for."

You'll find First Watch if you're looking for it near Calhoun and Bluemound roads. Located at 17550-A W. Bluemound Road, First Watch serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

The restaurant, which just celebrated its first year of operation in Brookfield on April 25, features a menu of traditional fresh choices such as eggs, pancakes, soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as its signature specialties including Chickichanga and Crepeggs.

First Watch also features menu items from the healthier side, such as egg white omelets, fresh fruit crepes and its signature Power Wraps.

Vinnie Busalacchi opened the restaurant last year with his father, Mike, after dining at a First Watch in Florida. They liked the food and the inviting atmosphere, and wanted to replicate that here in Brookfield.

First Watch operates about 80 restaurants throughout the country; the Brookfield location is the first in Wisconsin.

"I think that people who dine with us will notice the bright, sunny, fresh feel we offer here at First Watch," Busalacchi said. "Since we've opened, the reception from Brookfield has been terrific. We do a lot of the little things that make your experience here more memorable. I hope people seek us out and give us a shot."

The Busalacchis also are opening a second restaurant early this summer in Mequon at 11032 N. Port Washington Road.

The Basics

NAME: First Watch

ADDRESS: 17550-A W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield

PHONE: (262) 754-5900

WEBSITE: FirstWatch.com

FARE: breakfast and lunch

HOURS: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. seven days a week

PRICE RANGE: averages about $9 per person

RESERVATIONS: no

INTERNET: free Wi-Fi

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, we'll will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, send an email to news@cninow.com. Karen Waldkirch is taking a short leave from Grab a Bite but is expected to return shortly.