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First Watch

Operations

Hitting resistance elsewhere, ghost kitchens and virtual concepts find a happy home in family dining

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 24, 2024

Reality Check: Old-guard chains are finding the alternative operations to be persistently effective side hustles.

Leadership

First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at age 70

 By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2024

He was involved in the daytime dining chain for 38 years, many of them spent as CEO. "Ken's impact and influence is—and will forever be—felt throughout our organization," current CEO Chris Tomasso said.

Financing

First Watch blazes its own path on tech, aiming for multiple benefits

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2024

The breakfast-and-lunch chain is proceeding slowly and selectively in building its stack.

Leadership

First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso among IFMA Silver Plate Award winners

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 05, 2024

The 70th annual awards from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association recognize leaders who have made lasting contributions to advance the foodservice industry.

Food

First Watch brings brunch boards and cocktail flights to menu at newest location

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 17, 2024

To mark the opening of its new location in Downtown Nashville, the breakfast-lunch concept is giving Music City guests a little something different.

Operations

First Watch agrees to acquire one of its largest franchisees

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 08, 2024

The chain will pick up 21 restaurants in North Carolina, bringing total franchised location acquisitions since May to 44.

Financing

First Watch shifts its growth engine into high gear

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 01, 2023

The breakfast-and-lunch chain recently opened its 500th location and has many others under development as it works to expand its presence.

Leadership

First Watch names Matt Eisenacher chief brand officer

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 06, 2023

Before joining First Watch in 2019, Eisenacher was COO of Piada Italian Street Food.

Financing

First Watch sees price-sensitive consumers trading down from delivery

By Peter Romeo on May 02, 2023

Chain officials say the high prices of third-party services are driving patrons to dine on-site.

Consumer Trends

Full-service restaurants are some of the most popular brands on Yelp

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 13, 2023

First Watch and Texas Roadhouse led a strong showing for sit-down chains on a newly published ranking.

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