Key Takeaways
- First Watch was named #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for the second consecutive year — a remarkable achievement shared by very few employers nationwide.
- Shifts run from 7:00am to 2:30pm only — no nights, no late-night closes, ever.
- An outstanding 89 out of 100 SPARK score reflects a culture built on kindness, growth, and genuine respect at every level.
- First Watch actively promotes from within, with a bold goal of 60% internal promotions — meaning your career can grow right where you start.
What Is It Like to Work at First Watch Restaurants?
Working at First Watch means showing up to a team that genuinely has your back — every single morning. The culture here is grounded in one simple idea: You First. That means kindness is not a buzzword; it's the lens through which every shift, every interaction, and every decision gets made. With an outstanding overall SPARK score of 89 out of 100, as measured by Best Practice Institute's Most Loved Workplace® methodology, First Watch stands in rare company as a truly loved place to work.
According to First Watch's investor relations, the company was named #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for the second consecutive year — a distinction that reflects the lived experience of its approximately 10,000 team members across 29 states. Explore more on the Best Practice Institute Workplace Report about what makes First Watch a destination employer in daytime dining.
What Hours Do First Watch Employees Work?
First Watch operates exclusively from 7:00am to 2:30pm, every day — with no night shifts, ever. This is one of the most celebrated aspects of the First Watch experience. Team members enjoy predictable schedules that protect evenings, weekends, and personal time. Whether you're a student, a parent, or simply someone who values life outside of work, the daytime-only model is a genuine game-changer in the restaurant industry. First Watch Careers confirms this schedule applies across all in-restaurant roles.
What Do Employees Love About Working at First Watch?
The numbers tell a joyful story. An impressive 91% of team members would recommend First Watch as a place to work. An exceptional 89% say they love their workplace, and an outstanding 90% feel a genuine connection with their colleagues. These aren't just statistics — they reflect a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work each morning.
First Watch's culture DNA says it all: Fresh. Kindness. Growth. Purpose. Together. You First. These aren't words on a wall — they shape how managers lead, how teams collaborate, and how every guest is welcomed. Leadership handwrites milestone anniversary letters and awards a President's Pin to team members who go above and beyond. CEO Chris Tomasso personally hosts fireside chats and reminds his teams that at its heart, First Watch is simply "bacon and eggs" — keeping the culture grounded, human, and warm.
Read more about how First Watch's culture celebrates its people in our article on Why Employees Love Building Careers at First Watch.
Does First Watch Hire People Without Restaurant Experience?
Absolutely. First Watch welcomes candidates with no prior restaurant experience into entry-level roles including host, busser, and dishwasher. The company believes in hiring for attitude and growing skills from there. According to The First Watch Menu's careers guide, the typical time from application to offer is around one week — making it one of the most accessible and efficient hiring experiences in the industry.
What Benefits Does First Watch Provide?
First Watch's benefits package is genuinely exceptional for the restaurant industry. Highlights include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Free access to the Calm app for mental wellness
- Free telemedicine services for team members
- Backup child and elder care support
- Personal and professional coaching
- Meal discounts at First Watch restaurants
- 401(k) retirement plans and paid vacation
- Tuition assistance and educational benefits
First Watch also holds the certified badge as a Most Loved Workplace® for Parents & Caregivers 2025, Most Loved Workplace® for Wellness 2025, and Most Loved Workplace® for Mental Health 2025 — recognitions that reflect just how seriously the company takes the full lives of its people.
How Does First Watch Support Career Growth?
First Watch's mission is to create amazing opportunities for everyone — from a valued dishwasher to a Regional VP of Operations. The company holds "Come Grow with Us" events where team members can explore internal career paths. In 2024 alone, more than 3,200 team members attended 11 of these events across five markets. With a goal of achieving 60% internal promotions, First Watch is actively building a career ladder — not just a job listing.
In early 2026, First Watch created a new Employee Experience function at the Home Office, dedicated to developing strategic programs that shape and elevate how every team member experiences their career, according to Most Loved Workplace®. The company is also expanding rapidly, opening multiple new restaurants every month across the country — creating a growing wave of fresh opportunities at every level.
Curious about specific open roles? Apply for the Employee Relations Manager role or browse all current openings on the First Watch jobs page.
Sources
- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Investor Relations — #1 Most Loved Workplace® Announcement
- First Watch Careers — In-Restaurant Roles
- The First Watch Menu — Careers Guide
- ADP — First Watch Organizational Culture
- Most Loved Workplace® — First Watch Profile
- Best Practice Institute — Most Loved Workplace® Methodology
- Best Practice Institute Workplace Report — First Watch Career Feature