First Watch Has Replaced Closed Tuscaloosa Red Lobster

Construction began this week at the McFarland Plaza site to bring the breakfast chain to Tuscaloosa.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A yellow excavator on a construction site at a retail plaza, with a steel building framework and gravel foundation visible in bright daylight. — First Watch has begun construction at the McFarland Plaza site in Tuscaloosa, replacing the former Red Lobster location that closed earlier this year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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First Watch has initiated site development to open a new restaurant at 2620 McFarland Boulevard East in Tuscaloosa. The project replaces the former Red Lobster location that closed in July 2024 following the chain's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Why it matters

District officials have prioritized filling vacancies left by major business departures to maintain the vitality of the local retail corridor. This opening marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the McFarland Plaza property.

First Watch currently operates over 600 restaurants in more than 30 states. Typical operations for the chain generally run from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The players

First Watch

This is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant chain that has expanded to over 600 locations since its founding.

Red Lobster

This is a casual dining restaurant chain that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024.

The details

Demolition of the existing Red Lobster structure commenced this week after developers secured the necessary construction permits. The new restaurant will take over the space within McFarland Plaza to expand the brand's footprint in Alabama.

The First Watch chain began operations in California in 1983.
The company moved its corporate headquarters to Florida in 1986.
Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024.
The Tuscaloosa Red Lobster location closed in July 2024.
Demolition of the old building began in September 2026.

Market Landscape

The redevelopment of the McFarland Plaza site reflects a broader trend of fast-casual chains absorbing prime real estate previously held by struggling legacy restaurant brands. This shift positions First Watch to capture local market share as retail centers undergo significant tenant turnover.

Residents can expect a new breakfast and lunch option to replace the long-vacant Red Lobster property once construction concludes. The project aims to minimize the duration of the commercial vacancy in the popular McFarland Plaza shopping center.

The takeaway

The transformation of this site highlights how retail centers adapt by replacing legacy dining brands with expanding chains. Residents should expect rapid progress at the site as developers prioritize the quick turnaround of the McFarland Plaza property.