Second Springfield First Watch coming to East Sunshine

SBJ file photo

After opening First Watch at a former Shoney’s, above, the local franchisees are planning a September launch for their second on East Sunshine Street.

Following the October opening of Springfield’s initial First Watch cafe, the local franchisees are planning a second restaurant on East Sunshine Street.

James Tillman said he and business partner Joseph Hulston on Nov. 29 purchased a vacant lot at 3101 E. Sunshine St. from real estate agent Mike Fusek for undisclosed terms. The lot previously housed a multitenant center that was demolished earlier this year. The duo own the recently opened First Watch restaurant, a renovated Shoney’s at 2946 S. National Ave.
 
Noting a general contractor and architect have not yet been selected, Tillman said he and Hulston expect to invest at least $1 million building the East Sunshine breakfast and lunch restaurant. They’re targeting a September opening. The plans were first reported by 417 Magazine.

“East Sunshine seems to really be booming right now,” Tillman said of the location at Sunshine and Plaza Avenue, less than a mile from U.S. Highway 65.

Others businesses that have expanded into the East Sunshine corridor include Black Sheep A.S.A.P., Plaza Tire Service and Hudson Hawk Barber & Shop.

Tillman, who owns the southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas franchise rights for First Watch with Hulston, said the business partners haven’t nailed down locations for three other planned restaurants. They’re currently looking at the Joplin, Branson and northwest Arkansas markets, he said.