Cook

First Watch is a leading daytime dining restaurant concept that specializes in serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Established with a strong commitment to quality and community, First Watch has grown to operate more than 630 restaurants across 32 states in the U.S. Guided by their unique "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, the company prides itself on using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to craft chef-curated menus that rotate multiple times a year. These menus feature both elevated versions of classic favorites and innovative dishes, such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and their signature Million Dollar Bacon. First Watch has achieved numerous accolades, including the #1 Best Breakfast award by Newsweek’s Readers' Choice Awards for 2025 and being recognized as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute for consecutive years. This accolade, which highlights the company’s dedication to a positive employee culture, was prominently featured in The Wall Street Journal.

First Watch operates under a philosophy called YOU FIRST, with a clear focus on prioritizing the happiness and well-being of their employees. This philosophy ensures there are never any night shifts, providing a healthy work-life balance for its staff. The company empowers employees by giving them the independence to make decisions that enhance the customer dining experience. The culture emphasizes respect, teamwork, and engagement, fostering an environment where employees feel valued. The commitment to employee care is so strong that the company claims to "love their employees more than bacon," highlighting the deep importance placed on staff satisfaction and empowerment.

The role available is for a Back-of-the-House team member, specifically a cook, who shares the company’s mutual respect for quality food. Successful candidates will be trained in specific kitchen stations according to their comfort level and innate skills, meaning prior expertise is not mandatory unless sought by the employee. Cooks are responsible for communicating effectively with team members, delivering high-quality and safe food quickly, following award-winning chef-curated recipes, and maintaining clean and organized workstations. The position requires employees to be at least 18 years old.

As part of the employment benefits, First Watch offers a comprehensive package to support both the health and personal lives of their team members. These include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, behavioral and medical telemedicine access, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care, a 401(k) retirement savings program, and a 50% meal discount usable by employees and their families at all company restaurants. Additional perks include child discount programs, employee assistance programs including coaching, backup child and elder care services, supplemental insurance options, paid time off (subject to minimum hours worked), tuition reimbursement, pet insurance, premium access to wellness apps, and extensive discount programs on travel, fitness, auto, entertainment, and retail purchases. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month after 60 days of employment, with an enrollment window of 30 days.

First Watch’s unwavering dedication to quality, hospitality, and community engagement positions it as a top employer in the daytime dining industry. Potential team members are invited to join a company that not only serves exceptional food but fosters an inclusive, supportive workplace culture. Prospective employees seeking a fulfilling role in a fast-paced, yet employee-focused dining environment will find First Watch to be an excellent career choice. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com. First Watch is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages open discussions about accommodation needs with its team members.