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First Watch Restaurant Group, IncX Featured company

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About The Company

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon.

For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising more than $1.7 million to date.

With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 600 restaurants in 32 states.

Company headquarters
Headquarters Location
Sarasota, FL
Number of employees
Number Of Employees
16,000+
Company industry
Industry
Restaurants
Company website
Company Website
Company ceo
CEO
Chris Tomasso

Our Certifications

See What We've Been Awarded

Top 100
TOP 100
2022
Certified
Certified
2022
Top 100 US
TOP 100
2023
Certified
Certified
2023
Top 100 US
TOP 100
2024
Top Most Loved CEO
FOR CEO
2024
Certified
Certified
2024
Career Advancement
FOR Career Advancement
2024
LGBTQ+
FOR LGBTQ+
2024
Women
FOR Women
2024
Young Professionals
FOR Young Professionals
2024
Wellness
FOR Wellness
2024
Veterans
FOR Veterans
2024
Top 100 US
TOP 100
2025
Top Most Loved CEO
FOR CEO
2025
Certified
Certified
2025
Career Advancement
FOR Career Advancement
2025
Parents Caregivers
FOR Parents & Caregivers
2025
Wellness
FOR Wellness
2025

Reviews

Why is First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc a Most Loved Workplace®?

our vision statement is to create amazing opportunities for our people – from a valued dishwasher to a Regional VP of Operations. We offer “Come Grow with Us” events for employees to learn about career opportunities within First Watch; in 2024 alone, we’ve invited over 3,200 team members to 11 events across five markets. Company goal: 60% internal promotions. We know that happy employees pay it forward through exceptional hospitality and a positive environment – which leads to a memorable experience for all customers and exemplifies our mission to Make Days Brighter.”

they are built on a core principle, established by our co-founder in 1983, to put others before yourself, to go above and beyond for the customer and for each other through kindness. Kindness informs our Five Steps of Service and “You First” ideology, guiding our teams to serve with care, openness, and purpose. We roll up our sleeves, consistently challenge ourselves to be better, and work hard with positivity, resilience, and grit daily. We stand shoulder to shoulder as one team that faces challenges and celebrates successes, together."

handwriting letters to employees when they celebrate milestone work anniversaries and by sending a President’s Pin to those who go above and beyond for a customer or co-worker. Chris Tomasso facilitates in-person fireside chats at the F.A.R.M. Chris reminds the managers that at the end of the day, First Watch is simply bacon and eggs – a perspective that builds camaraderie and eases tension on high-volume days. By modeling our core values, Chris has created an inclusive culture that fosters kindness and continuous improvement."

hosting our annual We Hear You (W.H.Y.) Tour across the country and at the Home Office. The Tour connects our senior leadership team with employees from all divisions to enhance the workplace environment through feedback on a variety of topics. Since its inception, we’ve talked to more than 1,000 employees and logged more than 1,200 ‘listening’ hours, and in turn, have made meaningful (oftentimes immediate) improvements to operations, technology, benefits, compensation, and employee communication, including the founding of The Avocado Post, an internal magazine which informs and celebrates our people. Our GM Council, twenty members who are nominated annually, gives monthly feedback to our COO; helping him make informed business decisions through a people focused lens."

leveraging an engagement tool to communicate with team members directly about benefits and company news. Personalized texts for birthdays, work anniversaries and, in times of crisis, used to check on safety and wellbeing. We hold weekly meetings and complete monthly check-ins with managers to underscore the importance of operational excellence and personal connection. Our annual leadership conference brings general managers across the country together for 2 ½ days to educate, motivate and celebrate.”

Backup childcare and eldercare for employees, plus Daycare center discounts “You First” Emergency Assistance Fund Telemedicine (no out-of-pocket fees) for all employees regardless of insurance plan Complimentary access to the Calm App for all employees and five of their loved ones Fully funded High School Diploma Program College Tuition Reimbursement and discounts on degrees and professional certifications. 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), plus life coaching and career guidance Bonus Programs for all restaurant managers Health, Dental, and Vision Plans, plus Life and Disability Insurance Monthly fitness allowance for equipment or access to a gym Total Pet Plan discounts on pet care and medications Perks at Work: 30,000+ discounts on travel, electronics, auto, and more Dog-friendly Home Office Supplemental Insurance: Accident, Critical Illness, + Indemnity Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 50% match Family Leave Unlimited PTO for Directors and above."

Testimonials

Hear From Our Employees

The people I work with are absolutely amazing, my hard work is appreciated, the customers are the absolute best!

This company works so well with my schedule. I love having my afternoons free and ready to spend time with my kids.
our team is the best we hire good hard working employees.

The love for its people and overall growth support and opportunities makes me feel encouraged.
The trust and recognition of new ideas and training makes me feel heard and valued.
The connection between the employees in the restaurants as well as the office brings an all around joy.

Why Us?

Why Work At First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc

First Watch Restaurants Inc. is a breakfast, brunch and lunch concept offering freshly prepared dishes inspired by the position of the sun. Learn about First Watch's culture and how the company has worked with ADP to enable the planning and activation of many of its cultural values.

Featured Job

Join Us at First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc

Server - Front of House ·

In addition to no night shifts, ever and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That’s where our YOU FIRST culture begins – each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with an independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say, we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.

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