First Watch

Restaurants rethink how long their business day should be

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 07, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Dayparts are being varied as much as menus these days. The trend started 45 years ago with a brand called Le Peep.

Financing

First Watch sees no reason to follow the pack

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 09, 2023

The daytime dining brand has held the line on pricing and refused to trim its hours or menu. The focus will be on raising the profits of new units.

Financing

First Watch feels a tailwind from consumers' inflation adjustments

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 07, 2022

The daytime dining chain says customers are opting for its $15 breakfasts and lunch as a more economical alternative to dining out at dinner.

Financing

First Watch tries a secondary IPO

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 13, 2022

Advent International, which owns three-quarters of the breakfast-and-lunch chain's stock, will sell at least 4.5 million shares in a secondary offering.

Leadership

Ken Pendery to retire from First Watch

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 17, 2022

At age 68, he's stepping back after promoting the concept's growth for almost four decades.

Financing

First Watch bucks summer slowdown with 8% traffic growth

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 09, 2022

Same-store sales at the a.m. chain rose 13.4% in the second quarter as customers continue to flock to its restaurants.

Beverage

First Watch is switching to plant-based straws

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 02, 2022

The new straws, called Phade, are designed to biodegrade in water within months compared to the approximately 200 years it takes plastic ones to disappear.

Premium

Marketing

These are not your grandpa’s breakfast hangouts

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 11, 2022

A.m. specialists young and old are enlivening the morning market in a push for younger, more affluent patrons. Grab a breakfast cocktail and read how.

Financing