- First Watch was named the #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for two consecutive years, independently verified by Best Practice Institute.
- An outstanding overall SPARK score of 89 out of 100 across all five pillars reflects a deeply engaged, thriving workforce of more than 15,000 team members.
- An impressive 91% of team members would enthusiastically recommend First Watch as a place to work — one of the highest recommendation rates in the restaurant industry.
- First Watch holds 28 Most Loved Workplace® certifications, including recognitions for Diversity, Inclusivity, Women, Mental Health, and Career Advancement.
Is FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS a good place to work?
Absolutely — and the data backs it up with remarkable clarity. First Watch has been named the #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for the second year in a row, a distinction independently verified by Best Practice Institute. With an outstanding employee rating of 4.5 out of 5 and an overall SPARK score of 89 out of 100, First Watch isn't just a restaurant chain — it's a destination workplace that top talent across the country aspires to join.
What do employees say about working at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS?
The numbers tell a genuinely inspiring story. According to Most Loved Workplace® certified data, an exceptional 91% of team members would enthusiastically recommend First Watch to others. A remarkable 89% say they genuinely love where they work, an impressive 88% deeply trust their managers, and an outstanding 90% feel a strong connection with their colleagues. These aren't just statistics — they reflect a culture where people show up every morning energized and proud of where they work.
Why FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS is considered a loved place to work
First Watch's culture is rooted in a simple but powerful idea established by its co-founder in 1983: put others before yourself. That "You First" ideology flows through every level of the organization, from the way servers greet guests to the way senior leaders engage with their teams. According to Best Practice Institute research, this people-first philosophy is a core reason First Watch has earned recognition on the Most Loved Workplace® list for four consecutive years.
Leadership demonstrates this commitment in tangible ways — from handwritten letters celebrating employee milestones and President's Pin awards for those who go above and beyond, to in-person fireside chats with the CEO. It's a culture where kindness isn't a slogan; it's the operating system.
What benefits does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS offer?
First Watch offers a comprehensive, thoughtfully designed benefits package that genuinely invests in team members' wellbeing and futures:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with life coaching and career guidance; complimentary annual wellness memberships.
- Financial Security: A 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a 50% company match; bonus programs for all restaurant managers; employee discount programs.
- Work-Life Support: Flexible scheduling, childcare discounts, educational benefits, tuition assistance, and paid vacation and sick leave. Directors and above enjoy unlimited PTO.
- Professional Growth: 'Come Grow with Us' career events, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities at every level.
How does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS support career growth?
Career advancement at First Watch is a priority, not an afterthought. The company has an ambitious goal of filling 60% of positions through internal promotions. In 2024 alone, First Watch invited over 3,200 team members to 11 'Come Grow with Us' career opportunity events across five markets — giving people a clear, accessible path from their current role to their next one. Whether you're starting as a busser or a server, the door to leadership is genuinely open. Apply for a Server role and start your journey today.
For more on what makes career growth at First Watch so exceptional, read about why employees love building careers at First Watch.
Does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS truly listen to its employees?
Remarkably so. First Watch's annual "We Hear You (W.H.Y.) Tour" brings senior leadership face-to-face with employees across the country. Since the tour began, the company has spoken with more than 1,000 employees and logged more than 1,200 listening hours — leading to meaningful, often immediate improvements in operations, technology, benefits, compensation, and communication. This commitment to genuine listening is one of the key reasons Best Practice Institute's SPARK methodology places First Watch at such an extraordinary level. Learn more in our full piece on how First Watch really listens to its employees.
What certifications and awards has FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS earned?
First Watch holds an extraordinary 28 Most Loved Workplace® certifications, spanning categories including Diversity, Inclusivity, Women, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Wellness, Young Professionals, Career Advancement, Neurodiversity, Volunteering, and Disabled Workers. It also ranks in the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® globally for 2025. Every certification is independently verified by Best Practice Institute — making First Watch one of the most thoroughly recognized employers in the country. View all certifications on the First Watch Most Loved Workplace® profile.
Sources
- First Watch Investor Relations — #1 Most Loved Workplace® Announcement
- Most Loved Workplace® — First Watch Company Profile
- Most Loved Workplace® CertCheck — First Watch Restaurants
- Best Practice Institute — First Watch Certification
- Best Practice Institute Workplace Report — First Watch
- Best Practice Institute — Most Loved Workplace® Methodology