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Breakfast chains you will see everywhere soon
We all know the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and lately restaurant-goers are taking that attitude to heart. Daytime dining is in high demand as many people have started to go out for breakfast and brunch with friends, family and dates instead of a standard dinner. While this may seem like a passing trend, the breakfast business shows no signs of slowing down.
For many consumers, it’s a convenient option in the midst of a declining economy and inflation. “Going out during the day happened during the last recession, when people didn’t have the money to go out for dinner,” restaurant owner Jessica Koslow told Eater. On top of that, more people are working remotely or in freelance gigs, creating flexible schedules that make it easy to eat out during the day.
Restaurant owners have noticed the growing love of breakfast, and many have capitalized on it with new locations that typically close their doors before nightfall. The breakfast boom seems to be going nowhere but up, so you’re likely to see more of these spots in your area. We’ve put together a list of the top breakfast chains for you to look out for and check out for yourself.
First Watch
First Watch is one of the leading restaurants in daytime dining. Since opening in 1983 in Pacific Grove, California, this cozy breakfast spot has grown into a 466-unit chain with locations in 29 states. That’s quite an accomplishment in just a few decades.
Speaking with Nation’s Restaurant News about the chain’s growth, company CEO Chris Tomasso noted that the early start gave the chain an edge over up-and-coming competition. “We kind of established this daytime dining segment,” Tomasso said. “We pretty much had it to ourselves, and we had tremendous growth. You’ve seen a lot of other players come into the space, but we have such a great head start.”
Along with that head start, the aptly named First Watch prides itself on always serving fresh food and keeping its menu innovative. According to Tomasso, the kitchens don’t have heat lamps or microwaves to keep food warm. Instead, the chefs cook everything to order for the freshest flavor. The seasonal menu changes five times a year, so there’s always something new to order. And in 2015, the restaurant introduced a fresh-squeezed juice bar, which customers have grown to love.
Hash Kitchen
Hash Kitchen is an Arizona-based restaurant that has given its breakfast experience an “Instagrammable” party vibe, thanks to its extensive cocktail menu, DJ booth, and decor. Despite cornering the market and developing a strong following in Arizona, the breakfast chain has been slow to expand, with five locations in 2021. Chef Joey Maggiore, his wife Cristina, and partner Flora Tersigni consider the brunch spot their baby, which has made them reluctant to accept franchise deals that require them to give up their stake in the company (via FSR Magazine).
Fortunately, the Savory Fund, a restaurant growth investment fund, saw the potential in Hash Kitchen’s niche and was eager to invest in the business. Since partnering with Hash Kitchen, the fund hopes to grow the brand in Arizona and expand to other states. “We believe that Hash Kitchen was the cool kid on the block in terms of morning eateries,” said Andrew Smith, managing partner of the Savory Fund. “But even in the morning eatery category, we think there’s just a lot of white space. I even look at Utah and Nevada and Arizona … Then you look at states, even like Texas, and there’s just not enough to serve the population that’s in those communities.” By partnering with Hash Kitchen, the Savory Fund hopes to fill some of the gap in the breakfast market.
Turning Point
Turning Point is an award-winning breakfast restaurant with a focus on fresh food. It serves an extensive menu with all the lunch and breakfast favorites like pancakes, burritos and melts. It also offers a seasonal menu that changes four times a year, so there’s always something new to enjoy. Although customers have given some mixed reviews about their experience, those who enjoy Turning Point really love it and often become repeat customers.
The restaurant confirmed its first franchise agreement in 2022, with plans to enter the Pennsylvania market. The company currently operates in four states, with restaurants in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida. Turning Point franchisee Eric Brandow spoke with Cision PR Newswire about the company’s exciting foray into daytime dining. “It’s rare these days to find a quality brand you can trust. Turning Point is a proven concept executed in an extraordinary way. This company is dedicated to opening new restaurants that prove to be profitable, manageable and beloved by the community; we just knew this concept would be a great addition to Upper Dublin.”
Huckleberry’s
Huckleberry’s is a breakfast chain dedicated to providing an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience. With a focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, Huckleberry’s offers a diverse menu of classic breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, omelets and more. The chain is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and friends looking to start their day with a delicious meal.
Today, Huckleberry’s has multiple locations in several states, and its popularity continues to grow. The chain’s commitment to excellent customer service and consistent quality has earned it a loyal following. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a lighter option, Huckleberry’s has something to satisfy every palate.
The Rise of Daytime Dining
The rise of breakfast chains and the increasing popularity of daytime dining can be attributed to several factors. First, people’s changing lifestyles and schedules have contributed to the demand for breakfast and brunch options. With more people working remotely or having flexible work arrangements, going out for a leisurely breakfast or brunch has become a preferred social activity.
In addition, the affordability of breakfast compared to dinner has made it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals. In times of economic uncertainty, people often look for cost-effective dining options, and breakfast fits the bill. It provides an opportunity to enjoy a satisfying meal at a lower price point than dinner at a fine dining restaurant.
In addition, the creativity and innovation of breakfast chains has played a significant role in their success. These chains have introduced unique menu items, fresh ingredients and engaging dining experiences that resonate with customers. Whether it’s the freshly squeezed juice bar at First Watch, the “Instagrammable” party atmosphere at Hash Kitchen, or the emphasis on freshness at Turning Point, these chains have found ways to stand out and capture the attention of breakfast enthusiasts.
The Future of Breakfast Chains
As the demand for daytime dining continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see even more breakfast chains popping up across the country. The success of established chains like First Watch, Hash Kitchen, Turning Point, and Huckleberry’s serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter the breakfast market.
However, as competition intensifies, it will be critical for new breakfast chains to differentiate themselves and offer unique value propositions. Whether it’s through innovative menu items, distinctive atmospheres, or exceptional customer service, these chains will need to continually strive for excellence to attract and retain customers.
In addition, as consumer preferences and dietary trends evolve, breakfast chains must adapt and accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. This includes providing options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free individuals and those with specific food allergies. By offering a variety of choices, breakfast chains can ensure that they remain inclusive and appealing to a broad customer base.
In conclusion, the rise of breakfast chains and the growing popularity of daytime dining are reshaping the restaurant industry. With their focus on fresh ingredients, innovative menus and welcoming atmospheres, these breakfast chains are poised for success. Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or someone looking for a delicious dining experience, keep an eye out for these breakfast chains as they continue to expand and make their mark on the culinary landscape.
FAQS
The current trend among restaurant-goers is a shift toward daytime dining, specifically breakfast and brunch, rather than traditional dinner outings.
Why is breakfast becoming more popular with consumers?
Breakfast is growing in popularity due to its practicality in a challenging economy and inflation. It offers a more affordable dining option compared to dinner, making it appealing to budget-conscious individuals.
What factors have contributed to the growth of breakfast chains?
The growth of breakfast chains can be attributed to factors such as changing lifestyles and schedules, with more people working remotely or having flexible work arrangements. In addition, breakfast chains have capitalized on the demand by introducing innovative menus and offering fresh, high-quality food.
Are there any outstanding breakfast chains to watch out for?
Yes, some standout breakfast chains include First Watch, Hash Kitchen, Turning Point and Huckleberry’s. These chains have garnered attention for their unique offerings, such as freshly squeezed juice bars, “Instagrammable” party vibes, and a commitment to using fresh ingredients.
What can we expect from breakfast chains in the future?
The future of breakfast chains looks promising as the demand for daytime dining continues to grow. Aspiring entrepreneurs and investors may be inspired to enter the breakfast market, leading to more innovative and diverse breakfast chain concepts. Adapting to evolving consumer preferences, including dietary needs, will also be critical to the success of breakfast chains in the future.