ABOUT US

We are First Watch - an award-winning daytime restaurant concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. Since our founding in 1983, we have built our brand on our commitment to operational excellence, our "You First" culture and our culinary mission centered around a fresh, innovative menu that is continuously evolving. These foundational brand pillars have established First Watch as the largest and fastest growing concept in daytime dining. Our one shift, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and one main menu enable us to optimize restaurant operations and attract and retain employees who are passionate about hospitality and drawn to our NO NIGHT SHIFTS.EVER. approach.

JOIN OUR TEAM

In addition to no night shifts and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That's where our YOU FIRST culture begins - each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with an independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say, we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.

We credit our YOU FIRST philosophy as one of the main reasons we were named the fastest growing full-service restaurant chain in 2020. And with growth of the company, comes growth in your career - we love to promote from within!

Kamini

New Restaurant Opening Manager

At the end of the day, it’s all about ‘You First’.

Kamini had just graduated from high school and was looking for a job. She would drive by First Watch’s “Coming Soon” sign in North Port, Florida, almost every day and decided to fill out an application. After her first interview, she was hired on the spot, and the rest is history.

She has a passion for traveling, and she says the new restaurant opening trainer position for First Watch was the perfect opportunity. She loves being able to meet and work with so many different people that become family by the end of each trip. After spending just three days teaching a new team the fundamentals of First Watch, Kamini loves watching them successfully work a full shift by themselves.

“I’ve honestly grown so much by doing these openings as well,” she said. “Everyone learns differently, and patience is key. If someone doesn't understand something or needs help, don't be afraid to try a different approach. At the end of the day, it’s all about ‘You First.”

Kamini’s goal is to be a future leader for First Watch! To those wanting to join the team, Kamini says, “We are a family. You come first to us. As long as you remember that we are here to help you, you will never be discouraged. We like to have fun but we also get the job done and I promise it’s worth it in the end!”

Jill

General Manager

There are no boundaries when it comes
to growing with the company.

Jill has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 17 years, and she was tired of late nights and all-day operations. She saw First Watch’s daytime-only hours as a refreshing change of pace, joined the team, and never looked back!

“We are a thriving company that has an accomplished foundation of leadership that is dedicated to coaching and mentoring,” she said. “We are performance based, so there are no boundaries when it comes to growing with the company.”

Jill loves being part of a team that is committed to doing great things and making a difference in the community. She appreciates First Watch’s growth and the opportunities it has created for Jill and her staff. She enjoys working alongside other talented industry professionals and being on the culinary cutting edge of breakfast and brunch.

For anyone considering joining the First Watch family, Jill said, “First Watch is a great job, but it’s also a hard job that can be very rewarding. You get back what you put in. When joining the First Watch family I realized very quickly that there is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into what we do every day.”

Esteban

Cook

It’s my life. It’s my family.

Before becoming an invaluable part of the First Watch family, Esteban spent time working in the kitchen at a fast food restaurant. His friend approached him one day to tell him about the great place he worked, and Esteban decided it was time for him to join a new team.

He started working at First Watch in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, as a dishwasher in 2010, and he hasn’t looked back. After a year in that position, Esteban was ready for a challenge. He excitedly began training as a cook, and after all these years, he is now a highly sought-after trainer.

“I work the whole line, but my favorite station is Middle or Plate,” he said. Esteban isn’t afraid of the action, and he loves to be in the thick of things even on the busiest days. He says his job is easy because when you have passion for what you do, you can’t go wrong. Esteban loves working for First Watch because he feels part of a team that truly cares about him.

“It’s my life. It’s my family.”

Greg

Server / New Restaurant Opening Trainer

I have never seen a place so appreciative
of their employees.

Greg has been part of the First Watch family for more than three years, although all his life he has worked in the service industry. He says First Watch stands out from other restaurants where he’s worked because of its dedication to each team member.

“Your management team will do everything they can to empower you and set you up for success,” he said. “I have never seen a place so appreciative of their employees.”

Currently a server, Greg has spent time in both the front and back of house learning everything he can from the industry. With time as a busser, cook, and some management training he really enjoys the variety available to him at First Watch. “I’m kind of a Swiss Army knife in this place,” he said.

Greg attributes his success and drive to the wonderful family and friends with which he is surrounded. When asked what makes First Watch a great place to work, it’s not surprising to hear him say, “They feel like my family. All my coworkers, managers, and even those as far away as the VPs treat you with respect and will honestly look out for your well-being. I couldn't ask for more from a company.”