Company
Overview

About First Watch

https://www.firstwatch.com/
Leisure, Sports and Recreation
38 Employees
Type: Company - Private
Encinitas, CA
First Watch is a popular breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant chain. It offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order meals in a casual and welcoming environment. The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and providing excellent customer service. With locations across the United States, First Watch is known for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to work for those who enjoy the food industry and want to be part of a growing company. First Watch values its employees and offers opportunities for career growth. The company offers a supportive work environment where team members can learn and develop new skills. Positions range from kitchen staff to management roles, providing a variety of career paths. Working at First Watch means being part of a team that values quality, service, and community. It is an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the hospitality industry.

Want to become a part of the Leisure, Sports and Recreation industry?

What are people saying about working at First Watch?

First Watch offers good work-life balance and flexible hours, but employees face challenges with management and low pay. The company provides benefits and a structured work environment, but some positions feel corporate and demanding.

First Watch Reviews

Great company to work for

04/21/2025 - Port Orange, FL


Pros

No nights, good pay, Great people


Cons

lots of hours. If any position calls out your have to work their shift

worth a shot

04/23/2025 - Scottsdale, AZ


Pros

It’s always nice to be done with work no later than 3 PM but sometimes when you’re the opener, on weekends, you get stuck working a really long day


Cons

Tips are low because breakfast prices aren’t too high but the turn around for tables is quicker than most restaurants

neautral

04/23/2025 - Virginia Beach, VA


Pros

good hours, yeah yeah yeah yeah


Cons

low pay, long hours ugh

Best Job

04/28/2025 - Charlotte, NC


Pros

Work life balanceNo late nightsFlexible HoursAbility to grow


Cons

Technical Errors with updates Bottom Line OrientedLengthly Inventory Process

Great company

04/28/2025 - Stuart, FL


Pros

Only days Good moneyWell structured Great team work and great training


Cons

Weekends hard to get off

OM

04/30/2025 - Champions Gate, FL


Pros

No night shifts ever is a big plus.


Cons

Lots of Micromanaging. Company environment not the best.

Great job

03/14/2025 - South Florida, FL


Pros

Breakfast brunch lunch only No nights


Cons

No cons at the moment

Overall, nice place to work

03/12/2025 - null


Pros

The ability to make good money


Cons

Very strict with dress code.

Bad management

03/12/2025 - Cypress, TX


Pros

Have the rest of your day after work


Cons

Bad management constantly firing servers for unreasonable reasons

Amazing

03/04/2025 - Arvada, CO


Pros

Great company, great pay, great benefits


Cons

Shifts can be short at times, money can be hard during winter hours

Good part-time to full time hours

03/05/2025 - Columbus, OH


Pros

Only morning shifts, good food, and decent tips.


Cons

Early mornings if not a morning person, campus location slower than surrounding locations

Easy money

03/02/2025 - Nashville, TN


Pros

The hours are nice and early.


Cons

Every server is scheduled "support shift"

Good Money

03/06/2025 - Crestview Hills, KY


Pros

Off by 3 A lot of money


Cons

Get up early can be rough

Really depends what you're willing to put up with.

03/13/2025 - Cincinnati, OH


Pros

Great hours, decently flexible schedules, good money depending on your location.


Cons

Corporate "standards and values" being crammed down your throat (which are mostly just them wanting you to consistently work harder with no compensation), non-human standards and lazy management at many stores. And don't even get me started on if you have actual in-store problems, good luck getting any backup.

Best Breakfast Place

03/12/2025 - Sarasota, FL


Pros

- Only morning shifts- Great team members and work environments- delicious food


Cons

- Wish we got a free meal. 50% off is still good though



Page 1
Pie chart of the distribution of reviews for First Watch. 7.2% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 13.1% of reviews are 'Negative'. 43.1% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 36.6% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at First Watch?

  1. Server
    Servers greet guests, take orders, and serve food and drinks. They ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs


  2. Cook
    Cooks prepare meals using recipes and ingredients. They work in a fast-paced kitchen to meet customer demands.
    Find Cook jobs


  3. Busser
    Bussers clear tables, reset them, and assist servers. They help keep the dining area clean and ready for new guests.
    Find Busser jobs


  4. Dishwasher
    Dishwasher cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They ensure everything is spotless for the next use.
    Find Dishwasher jobs


  5. Line Cook
    Line cooks specialize in preparing specific dishes quickly and efficiently. They work closely with the kitchen team.
    Find Line Cook jobs


  6. Service Team Member
    Service Team Members perform various tasks to support the restaurant. They may assist servers, bus tables, or help in the kitchen.
    Find Service Team Member jobs


  7. General Manager
    General Managers oversee the restaurant's operations. They manage staff, handle finances, and ensure smooth daily activities.
    Find General Manager jobs


  8. Host
    Hosts greet guests, manage reservations, and seat customers. They create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits.
    Find Host jobs


  9. Director of Operations
    Directors of Operations manage multiple restaurants. They ensure consistent quality and service across all locations.
    Find Director of Operations jobs


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Restaurant Managers lead daily operations. They supervise staff, handle customer service, and maintain restaurant standards.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs

Where is First Watch hiring?

  1. Houston, TX
    Houston offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of urban and suburban settings. Working here provides a dynamic environment with plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
    Find jobs in Houston, TX


  2. Bradenton, FL
    Bradenton boasts a welcoming community with a laid-back lifestyle. Employees enjoy a friendly work environment and a chance to connect with a diverse group of people.
    Find jobs in Bradenton, FL


  3. Orlando, FL
    Orlando is known for its lively atmosphere and bustling tourism industry. Working here offers a fast-paced environment with numerous opportunities to engage with a diverse clientele.
    Find jobs in Orlando, FL


  4. Jacksonville, FL
    Jacksonville provides a balanced work environment with a mix of urban and natural settings. Employees benefit from a supportive community and a variety of recreational activities.
    Find jobs in Jacksonville, FL


  5. Omaha, NE
    Omaha offers a friendly and welcoming community with a strong sense of local pride. Working here provides a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
    Find jobs in Omaha, NE


  6. Raleigh, NC
    Raleigh is a vibrant city with a thriving tech scene and a strong sense of community. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
    Find jobs in Raleigh, NC


  7. Pittsburgh, PA
    Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of urban and industrial charm. Working here provides a collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and community engagement.
    Find jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  8. Scottsdale, AZ
    Scottsdale provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Employees enjoy a vibrant work environment and a variety of outdoor activities.
    Find jobs in Scottsdale, AZ


  9. Tampa, FL
    Tampa offers a lively and diverse community with a strong focus on the arts and entertainment. Working here provides a dynamic environment with plenty of opportunities for growth.
    Find jobs in Tampa, FL


  10. Phoenix, AZ
    Phoenix offers a vibrant and diverse community with a strong sense of local pride. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment and a variety of recreational activities.
    Find jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What are similar companies to First Watch?

  1. Denny's
    Denny's is a well-known American restaurant chain that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has locations across the United States and in several other countries. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, from classic pancakes to burgers and salads. Denny's is famous for its 24-hour service and family-friendly atmosphere.


  2. Toast Cafe
    Toast Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot that offers a cozy and welcoming environment. It has locations in several cities across the United States. The menu features a range of breakfast classics, sandwiches, and pastries. Toast Cafe is known for its friendly service and delicious food.


  3. Brunch Cafe
    Brunch Cafe specializes in serving breakfast and brunch dishes. It has locations in various cities across the United States. The menu includes pancakes, omelets, waffles, and more. Brunch Cafe aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience with its warm ambiance and attentive staff.


  4. The Breakfast Club
    The Breakfast Club is a chain of breakfast and brunch restaurants. It operates in multiple locations across the United States. The menu offers a variety of breakfast favorites, including eggs, pancakes, and French toast. The Breakfast Club is known for its hearty portions and casual dining atmosphere.


  5. The Pancake House
    The Pancake House is a restaurant chain that focuses on serving pancakes and breakfast dishes. It has locations in several cities across the United States. The menu features a wide selection of pancakes, crepes, and breakfast sandwiches. The Pancake House is popular for its delicious food and family-friendly environment.


  6. Lemonade
    Lemonade is a restaurant chain that offers a variety of breakfast and brunch options. It has locations in several cities across the United States. The menu includes pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, and more. Lemonade is known for its creative dishes and vibrant atmosphere.


  7. Black Bear Diner
    Black Bear Diner is a family-owned restaurant chain that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has locations in several states across the United States. The menu features hearty American dishes, including pancakes, burgers, and sandwiches. Black Bear Diner is known for its warm hospitality and delicious food.


  8. Eggspectation
    Eggspectation is a breakfast and brunch restaurant chain. It operates in multiple locations across the United States. The menu offers a variety of egg dishes, pancakes, and sandwiches. Eggspectation is known for its extensive breakfast menu and friendly service.

Want to become a part of the Leisure, Sports and Recreation industry?