BRADENTON, FLA. — First Watch Restaurants, Inc., a breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, has acquired Nashville-based Bread & Company, including the company’s two restaurants currently operating in Tennessee, all recipes, marks and intellectual property. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Bread & Company was founded in 1992 by Anne Clay as Nashville’s first artisan bakery serving only bread, rolls, pastries and coffee in a space with just 15 seats. In 1995, Clay’s son John III joined the company and helped evolve the brand to include salads, soups and sandwiches on the menu.
The company’s restaurant in West End, Tenn., continues to operate as usual. First Watch said it has entered into a new long-term lease for the space, which will allow the restaurant to remain open and serve customers for many years to come.
The Green Hills, Tenn., location closed on Nov. 26 to allow developer Brookside Properties to begin an extensive renovation of the building that is expected to be completed by mid- to late-2015. As part of the new long-term lease entered into by First Watch for the space, it will re-open as Bread & Company upon completion of the renovation.
“Bread & Company built a loyal following in Middle Tennessee over many years, and John and his family did a great job growing the brand and concept,” said Ken Pendery, president and chief executive officer of First Watch. “When John decided that it was time for the next adventure in his life, we began discussing how First Watch might be in a position to provide an ideal transition as part of our successful expansion in Nashville. Combining the strengths of both brands means an incredibly differentiated offering for fans of both concepts.”
First Watch operates more than 120 restaurants in 17 states. It also operates 20 restaurants under The Good Egg name in Arizona.