Restaurant Operations Manager

First Watch is a renowned leader in the Daytime Dining industry, famous for its freshly prepared breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings made from the highest quality ingredients. With over 630 restaurants across 32 states, it has established itself as a household name recognized for exceptional hospitality, culinary excellence, and a commitment to community impact. The brand is driven by a chef-curated menu that changes seasonally and is inspired by the “Follow the Sun” philosophy. This guarantees that customers experience elevated versions of classic favorites along with unique dishes like the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. The company’s dedication to quality and innovation has earned it numerous accolades, including being voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and being recognized as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America in both 2024 and 2025 by the Best Practice Institute, featured in The Wall Street Journal.

First Watch operates on a unique YOU FIRST philosophy that prioritizes its employees’ well-being above all else. The company is committed to creating a positive and empowering work environment by eliminating night shifts entirely and providing a supportive culture where employees are encouraged to grow, make decisions independently, and contribute to an exceptional dining experience. This progressive approach to employee care is reflected in the numerous benefits offered, such as comprehensive insurance packages, retirement savings plans, tuition reimbursement, and family care programs. The YOU FIRST culture is not just about maintaining high staffing standards; it is about fostering a community where employees feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to excel.

The Restaurant Operations Manager position at First Watch is a pivotal leadership role within the organization. Managers at First Watch are passionate about mornings and share a deep enthusiasm for providing outstanding customer service and exceptional food experiences. Unlike traditional restaurant management roles focused separately on front-of-house or back-of-house operations, First Watch managers oversee the entire restaurant operation, blending culinary quality with customer satisfaction seamlessly. They are responsible for coaching and developing team members who embrace the company’s values, culture, and service standards.

Managerial responsibilities include overseeing daily operations to ensure that high standards are maintained, adhering strictly to the chef-driven recipes, and actively working to surpass sales and traffic goals. Managers play a critical role in implementing the First Watch Five Steps of Service and embodying the 10 Commitments that guide the restaurant’s culture and customer interactions. They also handle customer and employee concerns promptly, coordinate maintenance and repairs, uphold rigorous food safety standards, and conduct ongoing team recruitment and development. Financial accountability, including daily revenue tracking and banking, is part of the operational tasks, alongside administrative responsibilities such as timely completion of paperwork.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a passion for food and people. This position offers a unique opportunity to grow a career within a supportive and innovative company known for its award-winning workplace culture and community involvement. First Watch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity and is committed to accommodating qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are ready to be part of a company that loves its employees more than bacon and is redefining Daytime Dining, the Restaurant Operations Manager role at First Watch might be the perfect fit for you.