Key Takeaways
- First Watch Restaurants is a certified Most Loved Workplace® in 2025, with an outstanding overall SPARK score of 89 out of 100.
- An impressive 91% of team members would recommend First Watch as a place to work.
- First Watch aims for 60% of all promotions to come from within — making it a true destination for career growth.
- Open roles are available now across front-of-house restaurant positions in multiple locations.
What jobs are open at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS?
First Watch Restaurants is actively hiring for restaurant team roles right now. Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a workplace that truly values your growth, First Watch has opportunities worth exploring. Current open positions include:
- Busser — multiple locations available
- Busser — additional openings across markets
- Busser — further opportunities in growing regions
- Server — front-of-house hospitality roles
New openings are added regularly across First Watch's more than 530 restaurants in 29 states. Visit the First Watch careers page to see the latest listings.
What departments are hiring at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS?
First Watch's current open roles are focused on front-of-house restaurant operations — the heart of the daytime dining experience. These roles include guest-facing positions like Servers and support roles like Bussers that keep every shift running smoothly. First Watch operates across 29 states, so opportunities exist in a wide range of communities and markets. The company's mission to elevate daytime dining means every role — from the first hello to the final farewell — matters deeply.
Why should I apply at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS?
First Watch is not just a place to work — it is a certified Most Loved Workplace®, recognized year after year for putting people first. In 2025, First Watch earned an extraordinary collection of honors, including the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® ranking, plus specialty certifications for Women, LGBTQ+, Diversity, Inclusivity, Career Advancement, Wellness, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Young Professionals, Parents & Caregivers, Volunteering, and Disabled Workers.
According to Best Practice Institute, First Watch's certification reflects a deeply people-centered organization where employees genuinely thrive. The company's SPARK assessment score of an outstanding 89 out of 100 reflects excellence across every pillar: collaboration, values alignment, respect, vision, and outcomes.
An impressive 88% of team members trust their managers, and an outstanding 89% say they love where they work. These are not just numbers — they reflect a culture built on kindness, care, and real human connection. As Best Practice Institute research consistently shows, employees who feel loved at work are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay and grow.
How does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS support career growth?
Career growth at First Watch is not an afterthought — it is a cornerstone of the company's mission. First Watch sets a bold goal: 60% of all promotions filled from within. To make that happen, the company runs "Come Grow with Us" events, inviting team members to learn about pathways from entry-level roles all the way to General Manager and beyond. In 2024 alone, more than 3,200 team members attended 11 of these events across five markets. Read more about this remarkable culture of growth in our article on why employees love building careers at First Watch.
What benefits does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS offer?
First Watch offers a genuinely impressive benefits package designed to support the whole person — not just the employee. Highlights include:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; mental health support; complimentary annual wellness memberships; and supplemental insurance options.
- Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plans, employee discounts on meals, exclusive savings programs, and paid vacation and sick leave.
- Work-Life Support: Flexible scheduling, childcare discounts, educational benefits, and tuition assistance.
- Professional Growth: Leadership training, mentorship programs, and a clear internal promotion pathway.
What is the culture like at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS?
First Watch's culture is rooted in a powerful "You First" philosophy — established by its co-founder in 1983 — that puts kindness, empathy, and genuine care at the center of every interaction. Leadership handwrites personal letters to team members on work anniversaries. The CEO hosts in-person fireside chats. And the annual We Hear You (W.H.Y.) Tour brings senior leaders face-to-face with team members across the country, logging more than 1,200 listening hours to drive real, meaningful change. Learn more about how First Watch really listens to its employees.
How to apply for jobs at FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
Applying is simple. Browse current open roles — including Server and Busser positions — directly on the First Watch careers page. With more than 530 locations across 29 states, there is likely a First Watch near you. Each role offers a real pathway to grow, a team that has your back, and a workplace that has been celebrated as one of the most loved in America — year after year.