Yes. FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS is a certified Most Loved Workplace®, independently verified by the Best Practice Institute. With 28 certifications and an employee rating of 4.5/5, FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS demonstrates a commitment to workplace culture across dimensions like collaboration, values alignment, and respect.
Recognized as one of the best places to work by Best Practice Institute, FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS holds 28 Most Loved Workplace® certifications based on the SPARK methodology.
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS is a Most Loved Workplace® certified employer offering jobs and careers in Restaurants. With 10 open positions and 28 certifications, FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS has been recognized for workplace excellence by the Best Practice Institute. Employees rate FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS 4.5/5 for workplace culture.
Real metrics that matter to your career and happiness at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
89%
Love of Workplace
Emotional connectedness
24% above avg
88%
Love of Manager
Leadership trust
28% above avg
90%
Love of Colleagues
Team connection
20% above avg
4.5
Overall Rating
Out of 5 stars
1.1 above avg
91%
Would Recommend
To a friend
29% above avg
About FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
Restaurants • Founded 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
Certifications28
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
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.
28 Certifications & Awards
Certified Since 2022 · Featured across multiple industry recognitions
2022202320242025
Certified Most Loved Workplaces® 2024
Verified
2024
Most Loved Workplace® Certified 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® Certified 2023
Verified
2023
Most Loved Workplace® Certified 2022
Verified
2022
Global Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces®
2025
Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® 2025
Verified
2025
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for LGBTQ+
Verified
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Parents and Caregivers
Verified
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Women
Verified
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Volunteering
Verified
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Diversity
Verified
Most Loved Workplace® for LGBTQ+ 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Diversity 2025
Verified
2025
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for CEOs
Verified
Most Loved Workplace® for Inclusivity 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Young Professionals 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Women 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Career Advancement 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Volunteering 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Parents & Caregivers 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Wellness 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for CEO 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Disabled Workers 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for Mental Health 2025
Verified
2025
Most Loved Workplace® for African American 2025
Verified
2025
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Young Professionals
Verified
Top Most Loved Workplaces® for Career Advancement
Verified
Most Loved Workplace® for Neurodiversity 2025
Verified
2025
Our Mission
First Watch exists to elevate daytime dining through exceptional food and genuine hospitality. We are committed to putting our people first, creating meaningful career opportunities, and building a workplace where every team member—from dishwasher to executive—can grow and thrive.
SPARK Culture Insights
89/100
Why is FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS a Most Loved Workplace®?
(Based on the 5-Pillar SPARK Assessment)
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. FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS goal: 60% internal promotions. We know that happy…
Life at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
Love Profile
The personality of our workplace
🌟
Passionate About Quality
Team members are driven by commitment to excellence, from sourcing fresh ingredients to crafting memorable dining moments that guests return for again and again.
🤝
Collaborative & Creative
First Watch celebrates individuality and innovative thinking, encouraging employees to contribute ideas and take ownership of their roles within a supportive, chef-inspired workplace culture.
❤️
Community Minded
Employees genuinely care about being part of something bigger, building lasting relationships with guests, colleagues, and their local communities while growing with a nationally recognized brand.
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS team celebrating company culture and team success
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS employees building a positive workplace environment together
Most Loved Workplace® Pledge
Our commitment to building a loved place to work.
At First Watch, we believe that when we put our people first, they naturally put our customers first. Being named America's #1 Most Loved Workplace® reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where every team member can grow, thrive, and feel genuinely valued. That's not just a promise—it's the heart of who we are.
Our Commitments
Put People First in Everything We Do
We commit to embedding our 'You First' philosophy into every business decision, ensuring that our employees' wellbeing, growth, and dignity are at the forefront. This means competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and genuine care from leadership.
Create Pathways for Growth and Opportunity
We pledge to invest in our people's futures through mentorship, training, and clear career advancement opportunities. Our goal of 60% internal promotions reflects our belief that the best leaders are grown from within our organization.
Foster an Inclusive, Supportive Culture
We are committed to building a workplace where every team member—regardless of role or background—feels valued, respected, and supported. Our 'Love All' value means we celebrate diversity and create a sense of belonging for all.
Support Health, Wellness, and Whole-Person Care
We commit to comprehensive wellness programs that address physical, mental, and financial health. From medical and mental health support to childcare assistance and educational benefits, we care for the whole person, not just the employee.
Lead with Kindness and Do the Right Thing
We pledge to operate with integrity, kindness, and purpose. This means standing shoulder to shoulder with our team through challenges, celebrating successes together, and maintaining a safe, harassment-free workplace where every voice is heard.
Benefits & Perks
Health & Wellness
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Mental health support and employee assistance programs
Being named America's #1 Most Loved Workplace for the second consecutive year reflects First Watch's commitment to enhancing employee lives through meaningful benefits and impactful programs. The company's 'You First' philosophy puts employees at the heart of everything the organization does.
First Watch unveiled expanded wellness benefits for its hourly and salaried employees, including complimentary annual wellness memberships and enhanced learning programs, further solidifying its position as a leader in restaurant industry employee care.
First Watch Restaurant Group reported total revenues of $1.2 billion in 2025, with system-wide sales up 16.1%. The company expanded by 64 system-wide restaurants, demonstrating sustained growth and operational excellence across its daytime dining concept.
Open Positions
Join us in building the future
Most Loved Workplace® Certified Career Page
Attract top talent with your dedicated, certified career presence.
Express your interest and we'll share your profile with the hiring team. Let them know what kind of role excites you.
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.
