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FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS office culture
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MLW Certified 2025

FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS

Fresh starts every morning, fresh futures for our people

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Restaurants
Founded 1983
Sarasota, FL
16000
Profile last updated: July 2026

About FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS

RestaurantsFounded 1983

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch’s chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. First Watch operates more than 530 FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS in 29 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

Quick Facts

  • IndustryRestaurants
  • Founded1983
  • HeadquartersSarasota, FL
  • Certifications22

What Sets Us Apart

Chef-Driven Culture of Excellence

First Watch empowers culinary creativity and chef-led innovation across 530+ locations, fostering a workplace where food passion meets professional growth and team members take pride in elevated, made-to-order creations.

Fresh Ingredients, Fresh Perspectives

Built on a foundation of quality and authenticity, First Watch cultivates an inclusive team environment where diverse talents collaborate daily to deliver exceptional daytime dining experiences and celebrate wins together.

Community & Scale with Purpose

With presence in 29 states and growing, First Watch offers employees meaningful career advancement opportunities within a beloved brand that prioritizes team member wellbeing and creates a supportive community at every location.

Our Culture

The lived experience at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS

Rise Together Every Morning

We greet each day with energy and purpose, starting early to serve guests when they need us most. Our teams rise to the occasion together, supporting one another through the morning rush and celebrating the fresh start each day brings.

Fresh Ingredients, Fresh Thinking

Freshness runs through everything we do—from the fruits and vegetables we slice each morning to the ideas and innovations we encourage from every team member. We embrace seasonal change and continuously refresh our approach to serving better.

Roll Up Your Sleeves Alongside Others

We work hard with positivity, resilience, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Managers and executives aren't above any task; we face challenges and celebrate wins together, side by side with our entire team.

Kindness is Our First Language

Every interaction, from team to guest, is guided by genuine care and kindness. We serve with openness and purpose, extending compassion to colleagues and customers alike, creating a warm environment where people feel truly seen.

Purpose-Driven Work

We connect our daily work to a larger mission: elevating daytime dining and investing in people's futures. This sense of purpose energizes our teams and creates meaning beyond the transaction, making every shift feel meaningful.

Our Culture DNA

The core values that drive FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS

FreshKindnessGrowthPurposeTogetherYou FirstResilienceOpportunityCareSunshineInclusionExcellence

Frequently Asked Questions about FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS

Common questions about working at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS, their culture, and benefits.

FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS's employer brand profile is available on the Most Loved Workplace® directory. Companies are evaluated through the Best Practice Institute's SPARK methodology, measuring employee sentiment across collaboration, values alignment, and respect.

FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS is featured on the Most Loved Workplace® directory. The Best Practice Institute's SPARK methodology evaluates workplaces across systemic collaboration, positive vision, alignment of values, respect, and killer achievement.

Employee sentiment and workplace culture information for FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS is available on their Most Loved Workplace® profile, where companies are evaluated using the Best Practice Institute's SPARK methodology.

First Watch stands out through its 'You First' philosophy, which genuinely prioritizes employee wellbeing and career development. The company offers competitive benefits, comprehensive wellness programs, and a commitment to internal promotion—with a company goal of 60% of leadership positions filled internally. First Watch has been recognized as America's #1 Most Loved Workplace® for two consecutive years.

First Watch is deeply committed to internal growth, hosting 'Come Grow with Us' events throughout the year to showcase career paths from entry-level positions to Regional VP of Operations. In 2024 alone, over 3,200 team members attended 11 events across five markets. The company provides mentorship, training, and clear pathways for advancement at all levels.

All employees, including hourly and part-time staff, enjoy restaurant meal discounts, access to an employee assistance program, complimentary wellness memberships, childcare discounts, and educational benefits. First Watch also offers savings programs, flexible scheduling options, and professional development opportunities.

First Watch's mission centers on elevating daytime dining through exceptional, fresh food and genuine hospitality. Founded in 1983, the company has built its success on putting people first—both employees and customers. The core principle is to go above and beyond through kindness, informed by values like 'Follow the Sun,' 'Love All,' and 'Do the Right Thing.'

First Watch supports work-life balance through flexible scheduling, paid time off, childcare discounts, and mental health resources via employee assistance programs. Managers work collaboratively with team members to create schedules that accommodate personal responsibilities while maintaining operational needs.

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This profile is based on data from LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and the company's public career page. All certifications are independently verified by Best Practice Institute.