Restaurant Operations Manager

First Watch is a renowned daytime dining restaurant concept that specializes in serving freshly made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch. With a strong emphasis on quality, First Watch is guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, which ensures that the chef-driven menu features the freshest, peak-season ingredients and rotates multiple times per year to highlight seasonal flavors. Customers can enjoy elevated versions of classic breakfast and brunch dishes, such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. This commitment to exceptional food quality and a warm dining experience has earned First Watch several prestigious awards, including being voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and recognized as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America for consecutive years.

Operating over 630 locations in 32 states, First Watch is a rapidly expanding brand that proudly balances culinary excellence with a unique YOU FIRST employee culture. The YOU FIRST Philosophy centers on placing employees' well-being and happiness at the forefront. The company fosters a positive and empowering work environment where team members have the autonomy to make decisions that enhance every customer’s breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience. This culture supports employee growth, providing numerous opportunities for career advancement within a supportive and inclusive setting. Employees consistently praise the company’s culture, and First Watch is deeply committed to ensuring staff satisfaction by offering a variety of benefits and programs that support their professional and personal lives.

The Restaurant Operations Manager position at First Watch is a dynamic role designed for individuals who have a passion for hospitality, leadership, and team development. These managers are key players in maintaining the brand’s exceptional standards by overseeing both the kitchen and front-of-house operations. Unlike traditional restaurant management roles that separate back-of-house and front-of-house responsibilities, First Watch expects each manager to have a comprehensive understanding of all restaurant functions. This includes supervising food preparation, quality control, staff training, customer service standards, financial performance, and operational excellence.

Managers at First Watch are entrusted with the responsibility to lead by example, embodying the YOU FIRST culture and ensuring that every team member performs at their best. With no night shifts required, this role offers a healthy work-life balance, allowing managers to thrive in a fast-paced, rewarding environment. They are also eligible for a quarterly bonus tied to the restaurant’s financial performance, reflecting their direct impact on the business’s success.

In addition to managing daily operations, Restaurant Operations Managers at First Watch are proactive in recruiting and retaining high-quality team members. They coach employees on the company’s Five Steps of Service and 10 Commitments, ensuring that these standards are consistently delivered to every guest. Safety and security are also top priorities, with managers certified in food safety protocols and held accountable for maintaining a secure work environment.

Overall, this position is ideal for motivated leaders who love mornings, enjoy encouraging others, and are committed to delivering top-tier daytime dining experiences. First Watch not only provides a competitive salary but also supports its managers with an extensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, retirement savings plans, employee assistance programs, and various work-life balance perks. Join First Watch, a company that truly values its people, community involvement, and exceptional food — shaping the future of daytime dining across America.