04/24/2026
First Watch Breakfast Chain Set to Open on Aiken’s Southside This Fall
A popular daytime restaurant concept is coming to the former O’Charley’s location, bringing fresh-made breakfast, brunch, and lunch options to Aiken’s Southside. 
First Watch Restaurant Group Inc. plans to open its newest corporate-owned location at 168 South Aiken Lane in early fall 2026, according to a spokesperson who responded to an inquiry from the Aiken Standard. 
The restaurant will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., aligning with First Watch’s signature “no nights ever” model that emphasizes fresh, daytime dining without evening service. 
Restaurant Details and Features
The approximately 5,000-square-foot space will feature more than 170 seats, a recessed patio for outdoor seating, and a locally inspired mural that reflects Aiken’s character. 
Upon opening, the Aiken restaurant will showcase First Watch’s core menu, which elevates traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites using fresh ingredients prepared to order. Standout items include:
• Avocado Toast
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
• Million Dollar Bacon (crispy, sweet, spicy, and maple-glazed)
• A variety of egg dishes, omelets, sandwiches, and salads.
The chain rotates seasonal menus four times a year, so the Aiken location will debut its first holiday-themed offerings in late 2026. 
About First Watch
First Watch, headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, operates more than 600 locations across over 30 states. Known for its chef-driven approach, the brand avoids heat lamps, microwaves, and deep fryers, focusing instead on quality and freshness.
The Aiken opening is expected to create approximately 30 new local jobs. Hiring for the new restaurant typically begins about one month before the debut. 
This addition marks another step in the revitalization of Aiken’s Southside dining scene, filling the space left vacant by the previous tenant and offering residents a convenient spot for morning and midday meals.
