PRESS RELEASE
One of the Region’s Top Shopping Centers
Attracts Award-Winning Breakfast Spot
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (August 14, 2018) – MarketSquare, formerly Lynnhaven Shopping
Center, is home to many prime retailers and restaurants. As one of South Hampton Roads’
premiere shopping destinations, MarketSquare houses the area’s first and only Hobby Lobby,
the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world. Later this month, there will be
another first for the marketplace, as the award-winning breakfast spot, First Watch , joins the
ranks.
First Watch, the popular breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, will open its 270th location in
the MarketSquare Shopping Center on Monday, August 20. The new 3,600 square-foot eatery
will open at 7:00 a.m. at 2850 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Suite 104, and will employ about 25
people. First Watch’s curated menu takes an elevated approach to traditional and innovative
offerings made to order using farm fresh ingredients.
“We are beyond excited that First Watch chose MarketSquare to build its first location in South
Hampton Roads,” stated Cheryl McLeskey, President and CEO of McLeskey. “Positioned as the
neighborhood shopping center, MarketSqaure is perfect for such a community-focused
establishment; we can’t wait to see what area residents will think.”
Centrally located in the South Hampton Roads area, MarketSquare, owned and managed by
McLeskey, was completely renovated with the final building of the shopping center containing
First Watch. Nestled in the Kings Grant and Little Neck area of Virginia Beach, it features
180,000 square feet of commercial space and is home to many other notable businesses for
people to enjoy such Walmart Neighborhood Market and Onelife Fitness, among others.
“First Watch is an innovative, fast-growing brand, and we are so excited to introduce our unique
breakfast, brunch and lunch offering to this booming community,” said Brad Bauer, director of
operations for First Watch. “The anticipation and excitement we’ve seen from our neighbors in
Virginia Beach has already been incredible. We look forward to serving the great folks here for
years to come.”
There is a scheduled ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of First Watch, and the
grand reopening of MarketSquare, on Monday, September 10 at 3:00 pm. To learn more please
contact Mark Rosenfield.
About McLeskey
McLeskey was started by Virginia Beach developer F. Wayne McLeskey Jr. in the 1950’s. The
Virginia Beach based commercial and residential real estate development and leasing
company includes the following developments as part of its portfolio: The Virginia Beach Fishing
Center, The Newtown and Lynnhaven Convenience Centers, MarketSquare, the Colony Pines
multi-family community and more. Continuing the tradition of its founder, Cheryl P. McLeskey
leads the company’s active involvement with local charities and organizations such as Crush
Cancer and Achievable Dream.
About First Watch
First Watch specializes in award-winning, made-to-order Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch. A
recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers
traditional favorites, such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty
items like Quinoa Power Bowls, Avocado Toast and the Chickichanga. First Watch was
recognized as one of Business Intelligence Group’s Best Places to Work in 2018 and as one of
Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Second 100 restaurant brands. First Watch is the largest and
fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the United States with more than 330
restaurants in 30 states, including more than 260 First Watch restaurants, 75 The Egg & I
restaurants and one Bread & Company restaurant in Nashville.
Inside Business article linked below