Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k)
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Meal Discount
Job Description
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept in the United States, renowned for serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. With a strong commitment to culinary excellence, First Watch follows its unique "Follow the Sun" philosophy where the chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature peak-season flavors. The menu boasts elevated versions of classic favorites, innovative dishes such as the Kale Tonic fresh juice, and beloved fan favorites including the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and signature Million Dollar Bacon. Beyond food, First Watch takes pride in its dedication to community impact, exemplified by its initiative to donate a portion of every kid's meal to various organizations, raising approximately $2 million to date.
First Watch operates more than 630 restaurants across 32 states and has received numerous accolades, establishing itself as a leader in daytime dining. Among its distinctions, it was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025 and honored as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute in both 2024 and 2025. This recognition reflects First Watch’s dedication not just to exceptional food and service, but also to creating an outstanding and supportive work environment for its employees.
More than just a restaurant, First Watch embraces a YOU FIRST culture that prioritizes the happiness and well-being of its employees each day. Employees enjoy a unique work schedule with no night shifts, fully chef-curated menus, and the empowerment to independently make decisions that enhance the customer experience. The company believes in fostering career growth through strong leadership development and ongoing support.
The role of the Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch is a dynamic, multifaceted position vital to the company’s success and reputation. Managers play an integral role in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring the highest standards from kitchen preparation to customer dining experiences. Unlike traditional management structures that separate kitchen and dining supervisors, First Watch managers oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, creating a seamless and unified team atmosphere.
The Restaurant Operations Manager is expected to embody and promote the YOU FIRST philosophy and core values, championing team development and customer satisfaction. This position requires a passion for service, a commitment to excellence, and a hands-on approach to leadership. Managers are responsible for maintaining operational efficiency, coaching staff on service standards (such as the First Watch Five Steps of Service), ensuring food safety compliance, and managing restaurant sales and traffic goals. Handling urgent issues related to customer or employee concerns, overseeing the security of company assets, and supervising hiring efforts are also key parts of this leadership role.
Those hired into this role will benefit from a comprehensive package including quarterly performance-based bonuses, extensive health benefits like medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings options, and various supplemental insurance plans. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, paid time off, employee assistance programs, back-up child and elder care through Bright Horizon, meal discounts, and access to wellness apps like Calm. The company fosters a strong culture of recognition and continuous improvement, supporting managers in their career progression within a respected and award-winning organization.
In summary, working as a Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch offers the opportunity to lead a motivated team within a fast-growing, community-focused dining concept that prioritizes employee well-being and delivers exceptional food and service every day.
First Watch operates more than 630 restaurants across 32 states and has received numerous accolades, establishing itself as a leader in daytime dining. Among its distinctions, it was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025 and honored as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute in both 2024 and 2025. This recognition reflects First Watch’s dedication not just to exceptional food and service, but also to creating an outstanding and supportive work environment for its employees.
More than just a restaurant, First Watch embraces a YOU FIRST culture that prioritizes the happiness and well-being of its employees each day. Employees enjoy a unique work schedule with no night shifts, fully chef-curated menus, and the empowerment to independently make decisions that enhance the customer experience. The company believes in fostering career growth through strong leadership development and ongoing support.
The role of the Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch is a dynamic, multifaceted position vital to the company’s success and reputation. Managers play an integral role in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring the highest standards from kitchen preparation to customer dining experiences. Unlike traditional management structures that separate kitchen and dining supervisors, First Watch managers oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, creating a seamless and unified team atmosphere.
The Restaurant Operations Manager is expected to embody and promote the YOU FIRST philosophy and core values, championing team development and customer satisfaction. This position requires a passion for service, a commitment to excellence, and a hands-on approach to leadership. Managers are responsible for maintaining operational efficiency, coaching staff on service standards (such as the First Watch Five Steps of Service), ensuring food safety compliance, and managing restaurant sales and traffic goals. Handling urgent issues related to customer or employee concerns, overseeing the security of company assets, and supervising hiring efforts are also key parts of this leadership role.
Those hired into this role will benefit from a comprehensive package including quarterly performance-based bonuses, extensive health benefits like medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings options, and various supplemental insurance plans. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, paid time off, employee assistance programs, back-up child and elder care through Bright Horizon, meal discounts, and access to wellness apps like Calm. The company fosters a strong culture of recognition and continuous improvement, supporting managers in their career progression within a respected and award-winning organization.
In summary, working as a Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch offers the opportunity to lead a motivated team within a fast-growing, community-focused dining concept that prioritizes employee well-being and delivers exceptional food and service every day.
Job Requirements
- high school diploma or equivalent
- experience in restaurant management or related supervisory role
- certified in food safety
- strong leadership ability
- excellent communication skills
- ability to work mornings and weekends
- basic computer proficiency
Job Qualifications
- high school diploma or equivalent
- proven experience in restaurant management or supervisory role
- strong leadership and coaching skills
- excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- knowledge of food safety and handling practices
- ability to manage sales goals and customer service standards
- proficiency in handling administrative duties and daily revenue accounting
Job Duties
- learns and supports the you first culture and core values
- puts their supervisory skills to work making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with high standards
- understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed
- knows the restaurant sales and traffic goals and works to exceed them
- coaches and observes the first watch five steps of service being implemented at every table
- responds with a sense of urgency to both customer and employee concerns
- trains, coaches, and develops team members daily
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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