OAKLEAF – First Watch, the breakfast, brunch and lunch café with multiple locations in Central and Northeast Florida, opened its newest restaurant at Oakleaf Crossing earlier this month.

The location is the seventh in the Northeast Florida region. It has more than 3,600 square feet and has approximately 114 indoor seats.

The restaurant, located at 9680 Argyle Forest Blvd., across from the Oakleaf Town Center, serves a healthy blend of a moderately priced menu, like farm stand breakfast tacos, lemon ricotta pancakes, avocado toast and eggs benedict with smoked salmon highlight the breakfast menu.

There also are different sandwiches, salad options and soups for lunch. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“People have responded really well,” said one employee who declined to be identified. “They didn’t expect it to be here, but it’s done well so far, and the numbers show it.”

Like many other restaurants, it offers dine-in, take-out and third-party delivery options such as Uber Eats.

The restaurant is currently operating its dining room at 50% occupancy in order to comply with health mandates brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. All employees wear masks and gloves to exercise safety precautions.

There is also outdoor seating available on a patio on the side of the building, where diners can further exercise social distancing and enjoy the fresh air while enjoying their meals.

There are approximately 25 people employed at the new location, bringing more jobs to the area.

“It’s good to have a First Watch here,” said one diner. “I’ve been to the location in Jacksonville, and I liked the food, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that they opened a location here. I like the food. It’s pretty tasty for being healthy. Now that I know it’s here, I’ll probably be coming by more often.”

She also said that she would recommend First Watch to friends and relatives. “I’ll definitely be bringing my family and friends here to try the food. The recipes here aren’t like things you’d find on the menu in too many other places. I also really like the environment. It’s not too stuffy, but still pretty nice.”