Restaurant Operations Manager

First Watch is a leading daytime dining restaurant chain that specializes in serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Founded on the philosophy of "Follow the Sun," First Watch offers a chef-driven rotating menu that highlights the highest-quality seasonal flavors through elevated versions of classic favorites and innovative new dishes. With over 630 locations across 32 states, First Watch has grown significantly while maintaining a commitment to exceptional food quality, superior hospitality, and strong community involvement. The company has established itself as a top choice for breakfast and brunch lovers and has received numerous awards, including being voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and recognized as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute in 2024 and 2025. The workplace culture at First Watch centers on a unique YOU FIRST philosophy, which prioritizes the happiness and well-being of its employees above all. This culture extends into coaching and empowering team members to excel and take ownership of their roles without the risk of night shifts, fostering a healthy work-life balance and a supportive environment.

The position of Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch is an exciting leadership opportunity designed for individuals passionate about the food service industry and motivated by customer satisfaction. This role transcends the traditional front-of-house and back-of-house managerial divide by giving managers comprehensive supervisory responsibility for both kitchen operations and the dining experience. This holistic approach enables managers to directly influence and elevate every aspect of the restaurant’s service quality and operational efficiency. The Restaurant Operations Manager is responsible for driving daily restaurant success through team development, adherence to food safety standards, sales goal attainment, and ensuring strict compliance with recipe quality and customer service protocols. They play a pivotal role in recruiting, training, and coaching team members, promoting a positive culture consistent with First Watch’s core values and You First philosophy. The manager also handles administrative tasks, including revenue accounting, deposits, maintenance communication, and enforcing company policies to safeguard assets and foster a respectful workplace environment.

This role offers an excellent career trajectory with opportunities to grow within a thriving company that truly values its people. Managers are rewarded with quarterly bonuses tied to restaurant performance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and employee assistance programs. Additionally, employees benefit from unique perks such as complimentary access to premium wellness apps, childcare and elder care support, meal discounts, and access to thousands of retail and event discounts. As a zero night-shift employer, First Watch enables its managers to lead a balanced lifestyle. This position is ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and are committed to delivering outstanding dining experiences. First Watch is also an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.