leveraging an engagement tool to text message team members directly. The system generates a “welcome to the team” text, communicates when they’re eligible for benefits, and on occasion, links the employee to a short satisfaction survey or exciting company news. The messages are personalized for birthdays, work anniversaries and in times of crisis, used to check on their safety and wellbeing.
We hold weekly meetings and complete monthly check-ins with managers to underscore the importance of operational excellence and personal connection.
Our annual leadership conference brings general managers across the country together for 2 ½ days to educate, motivate and celebrate.
our company vision statement is to create amazing opportunities for our people. We work to enable both personal and professional growth – from a valued dishwasher to a regional VP of Operations. We strive to make our employees feel fulfilled, supported, & appreciated. We arm our employees with “veto responsibility”; any employee, regardless of position, can send food back if it’s not made to their standards. Empowered, happy employees pay it forward through exceptional service and a positive environment – which ultimately leads to a memorable experience for all customers.
offering a virtual We Hear You (W.H.Y.) Tour to hourly employees across the country and in-person for our Home Office. The webinar connects our senior leadership team with employees from all divisions of First Watch and is an opportunity to enhance the workplace environment. We listen to their feedback and create thoughtful dialogue on a variety of topics. Questions are asked around overall sentiment, training, the menu, diversity, comp/benefits, technology, culture, communication & opportunity for advancement. W.H.Y. Tour results include new technology, employee benefits, menu items, employee recognition along with enhanced compensation and communication through an Avocado Post Magazine to celebrate achievements.
establishing career progression plans. Employees can continue their path in restaurant operations or development new skillsets at the home office.
The First Watch Academy of Restaurant Management (F.A.R.M.) was established in 2018. The F.A.R.M. immerses our newest managers in our culture. We teach them leadership behaviors and challenge them with interactive sessions. To date, the F.A.R.M. has championed over 775 managers.
We host a group of female leaders at a largescale conference where they network, build confidence and most importantly – pave the way to gender equity in our industry.
We offer a fully funded Career Online High School diploma program, tuition reimbursement and discounts to college degrees and professional certifications.
they are built on a foundational principle, established by our co-founder in 1983, to put others before yourself, to go above and beyond for the customer and for each other, and – most importantly – just be kind.
Kindness infuses everything we do. It informs our Five Steps of Service and is a foundation of our You First ideology. We serve with care and purpose.
We roll up our sleeves and consistently challenge ourselves to be better and we work hard with positivity, resilience, and grit daily.
We stand shoulder to shoulder. We are one team that faces challenges and celebrates successes, together.
In 2020, we established our #BeABetterHuman company-wide initiative to celebrate individual differences and to underscore the importance of human dignity. We also proudly offer our RISING 20 Mentor Program (annual) to accelerate the advancement of 20 high-potential employees in under-represented group via partnerships with senior leaders such as our CEO, CRO, CPO and other VPs. In 2023, we launched a Be a Better Human Learning Series. The series includes workshops and virtual sessions for personal and professional development. We offer a variety of monthly classes, including how to lower stress, manage personal finances, become CPR certified, time management practices, nutrition, and courageous leadership.
handwriting thank you letters to employees when they celebrate milestone work anniversaries, thanking them for their service.
Chris conducts fireside chats with all our new managers at the F.A.R.M. and creates a people and performance inclusive, fun culture. He is a strong advocate for our people, continually supporting people programs with the resources they need for success.
Complimentary access to the Calm App for all employees
Unlimited PTO for Directors and above
Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Restaurant Bonus Program for General Managers and above
Free High School Diploma Program + Tuition Reimbursement
24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health, Dental, and Vision Plans, plus Life and Disability Insurance
“You First” Emergency Assistance Fund (see below)
Monthly fitness allowance for equipment or access to a gym
The Learning Experience discounts on childcare
Total Pet Plan discounts on pet care and medications
Perks at Work: 30,000+ discounts on travel, electronics, auto, and more
Dog-friendly Home Office
Supplemental Insurance: Accident, Critical Illness, + Indemnity Plan
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 50% match
Family Leave
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. We believe that a day well spent starts with the company you keep. That’s why we are dedicated to ensuring the happiness of our people by giving them the support they need to succeed in all they do. First Watch was recognized as FSR Magazine’s Best Menu and fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain based on unit growth. There are 480+ First Watch restaurants in 29 states.
8725 Pendery Place; Suite 201
Bradenton, FL 34201
941.907.9800
www.firstwatch.com
Restaurants
Christopher Tomasso
1001 - 10000
