First Watch scheduled to open next week at former Shoney’s

The first Springfield franchise restaurant of the First Watch “daytime cafe” chain is scheduled to open Oct. 9.

Federal Construction Inc. renovated the former Shoney’s at 2946 S. National Ave. after building permits were first filed with the city in December. James Tillman, one of the franchisees, previously told Springfield Business Journal the projected cost was $2.2 million for the development designed by Ireland Architects Inc. Financing was provided by Springfield First Community Bank, according to signage outside the restaurant.

The franchisees of the 5,000-square-foot restaurant are Tillman, co-owner of Complete Electrical Solutions LLC, and Springfield and Kansas City real estate developer and investor Joseph Hulston. The duo operate the 35-employee restaurant through Ozark Endeavors LLC. Tillman and Hulston are planning four more First Watch restaurants in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, according to a news release.

University Park, Florida-based First Watch Restaurants Inc. operates more than 300 restaurants in 26 states, including 225 First Watch eateries, 80 The Egg & I shops and one Bread & Co. The company has 22 Missouri restaurants in the Kansas City and St. Louis markets.

First Watch franchisees agree to development costs of $30,000 to $40,000 per unit as well as ongoing royalties of 4 percent, according to FirstWatch.com.