Hatched, a new breakfast and brunch restaurant, opened in Town & Country Village on Jan. 6. Owned by three brothers — Craighton Poon, Clifton Poon, and Brandon Poon — Hatched is one of the three restaurants, including Town and Country’s Roost and Roast, operated by the family.
Hatched offers a menu centered on breakfast and brunch items, including Green Dream burger, avocado toast and specialty drinks.
“Our goal was to create a dedicated breakfast and brunch destination that specializes in high-quality sandwiches paired with craft espresso and matcha beverages,” Craighton said. “The name is a play on words, reflecting how we hatched the concept for the restaurant much like a hen hatches an egg.”
Senior Mayu Altekar-Okazaki said she was pleased when she heard about the restaurant’s opening because of its proximity to campus.
“When I first heard that Hatched was opening near our school, I was excited for a new lunch place with a different type of food,” Altekar-Okazaki said.
Ruth Carias, an economic development specialist with the city of Palo Alto, said new restaurants like Hatched contribute positively to the local community.
“Beyond their economic impact, small restaurants contribute to the city’s vibrancy by serving as community gathering spaces that bring people together. From the City’s perspective, they help foster a strong sense of place and neighborhood identity,” Carias said.
Craighton said Hatched distinguishes itself through its focus on both food and beverages.
“Hatched stands out by being a food- and beverage-focused brunch spot,” Craighton said. “We offer elevated egg and chicken sandwiches alongside craft matcha and espresso drinks that feature our house-made syrups and cream tops.”
Freshman Ciel Yoo also said her experience at Hatched was mixed.
“The good thing was that they take online orders and even let you change a lot of settings such as the sweetness of drinks,” Yoo said. “(They also) have many drink options. However, they don’t have too much food diversity, and it’s specialized in sandwiches.”
Altekar-Okazaki agrees.
“The location is definitely accessible, and while the prices are pretty normal for Town and Country, the food is still expensive,” Altekar-Okazaki said.
Despite concerns about food variety Yoo said the restaurant’s drink menu makes it appealing.
“I think I’ll visit often,” Yoo said. “If not for the food, then try the different types of matcha.”
But Altekar-Okazaki said she is less likely to return regularly.
“I got the Green Dream, which was pretty good, but the drinks were separated into layers after around half an hour,” Altekar-Okazaki said. “I don’t think I’ll visit too often because it was a little too filling for a normal lunch for me.”
Carias said students’ support of local restaurants like Hatched helps strengthen the broader community.
“Local restaurants serve as gathering spaces that encourage social interaction, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of belonging,” Carias said. “Students supporting small, locally owned establishments help them thrive while fostering a vibrant community. Together, this relationship contributes to a dynamic local economy and a community that feels connected, inclusive and forward-looking.”
Craighton said he hopes Hatched becomes a regular destination for the community in the future.
“We want to provide a delicious, casual brunch spot where the community can get their caffeine and breakfast fix,” Craighton said. “For Paly students, we strive to offer a welcoming place to start their day right with great food and drinks.”
