First Watch
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
100
Score
Going back to 2024, First Watch has six inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Jan 13, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about nine violations before that.
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.
Compared to the broader Merritt Island restaurant scene, where the average is 77, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 12, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed live flying insects; 2 in dish area. 3 on service aisle. 2 at bar. 1 near restrooms. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-09: Observed 6 live flying insects **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-12: Observed live flying insects; 4 in dry storage. 2 on service line. 1 in chem room **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
86
Jan 9, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed live flying insects; 2 in dish area. 3 on service aisle. 2 at bar. 1 near restrooms. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-09: Observed 6 live flying insects **Time Extended**
35A-02-7
86
Jan 8, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed live flying insects; 2 in dish area. 3 on service aisle. 2 at bar. 1 near restrooms. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw salmon container stored over cooked sausage. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored above the fill line of open face reach-in cooler on cook line raw salmon (56F - Cold Holding). Moved to lower holding area **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf above expo window between cook line and service aisle is soiled. Hand wash sink on service aisle is stained with tea residue **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Near mop sink area
36-64-5
58
Jul 23, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cold tubs on service line whipped cream (50F - Cold Holding); milk (51F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Cook used gloved hands to wipe work area with sanitizer cloth. Did not change gloves or wash hands before touching avocados and cracking eggs.
12A-09-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In cold tubs on service line whipped cream (50F - Cold Holding); milk (51F - Cold Holding).
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. No dates on filters for ice machine **Repeat Violation**
29-28-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employees dumping tea urns in sink
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Behind the bar **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf above expo window is soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Togo cup used as scoop in potatoes. Operator discarded **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Employee restroom
32-12-6
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks not segregated from customer foods in multiple locations **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. iPad on plate for service. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Prep worker put in hair net **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Walk in freezer **Corrected On-Site**
36-01-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ladle in standing water at 88°F
10-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In prep area **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Kiwi not washed prior to use. Labels still on skin
08B-39-4
29
Oct 18, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 500+ppm at service bar.
22-43-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. New hires in building training have not signed documentation. Operator had employees review and sign **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Missing at 2 sinks **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. No date on filters for ice machine
29-28-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Water softener salt (food) stored in a location that is not clean and dry. On the floor in riser room at rear of building. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08B-74-1
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not stored inverted. Operator inverted Carafes not protected. Operator covered **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was First Watch last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at First Watch on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at First Watch?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at First Watch.
How does First Watch compare to other restaurants in Merritt Island?
First Watch most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Merritt Island average of 77.
Has First Watch's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at First Watch have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at First Watch means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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