Barbacoa Makes Big Breakfast Moves

Regional Mexican flavors meet mainstream brunch appeal in the Barbacoa Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl at daytime-focused First Watch. Inspired by the classic Mexican comfort dish, the bowl takes a slightly deconstructed approach, delivering contrast and balance in every bite.Crispy tortilla chips are tossed in a rich salsa roja, layered with simmered tomatoes, garlic, onions and peppers, then paired with shredded beef barbacoa. The bowl is divided into three sections: The chips/barbacoa fill one, while cheesy scrambled cage-free eggs and warm black beans account for the other two. Garnishes of avocado, lime crema, Cotija cheese, scallions and housemade pico de gallo finish the build.

“The success of this dish can be attributed to the lift in customer awareness around regional Mexican cuisine,” says Shane Schaibly, senior VP of culinary strategy. “Customers have access to so much more information and are able to dig deeper and learn more about dishes or ingredients.” He believes this translates directly into this bowl’s performance. After a national launch in 2024, the dish quickly rose to the top of the brand’s bowls category and now ranks No. 1 in PMIX within its segment.

Schaibly views any new build as a win when it delivers more than just deliciousness and uniqueness. “It also should attempt to open doors for people and show them something they had maybe never thought of eating,” he says. “And in my humble opinion, our Barbacoa Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl checks all of those boxes.”

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