Cook

First Watch is a distinguished leader in the daytime dining sector, renowned for serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch utilizing the freshest ingredients. The company embraces a unique "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy which ensures their menu is chef-driven and updated multiple times yearly to showcase the highest quality flavors at their peak. This approach results in elevated renditions of classic dishes alongside innovative offerings such as fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and popular items including the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and their signature Million Dollar Bacon. With a strong commitment to community welfare, First Watch donates a portion of proceeds from every kid's meal served to organizations positively impacting communities, amassing approximately $2 million in contributions to date.

First Watch takes pride in being recognized as the #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in 2025, as well as being named the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute for consecutive years (2024 and 2025), showcasing its dedication not only to culinary excellence but also to creating a supportive, happy work environment for its employees. The organization operates over 630 restaurants across 32 states, continuously redefining the daytime dining experience with a strong focus on quality, hospitality, and community.

As part of its employee-first culture, First Watch offers a compelling work environment with no night shifts, ever, and a fully chef-curated menu. Their YOU FIRST Philosophy embodies the belief that happy, empowered employees are the foundation for providing an exceptional dining experience. Employees are given independence to make decisions that enhance customer satisfaction during breakfast, brunch, or lunch services. First Watch takes employee welfare seriously by offering an extensive range of perks such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine access, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, meal discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more.

The Back-of-the-House team members at First Watch share a mutual respect for quality food and take pride in treating each dish as if placing a personal signature on it. New cooks receive station-specific training tailored to their comfort level and skills, making it welcoming for both beginners and seasoned culinarians. The role demands strong communication skills, teamwork, responsibility for delivering high-quality and safe food in a fast-paced kitchen, strict adherence to award-winning recipes, and maintaining a clean and organized workstation. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to join the team.

Joining First Watch means becoming part of a recognized, award-winning brand that champions not just the food it serves, but also its community and employees. The company’s commitment to a respectful and inclusive workplace, combined with its exciting culinary culture and comprehensive benefits, provides a rewarding career path for aspiring culinary professionals looking to grow in a supportive environment.