Restaurant Operations Manager

First Watch is a renowned leader in the daytime dining industry, boasting a reputation for serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a commitment to using the freshest ingredients available. As a chef-driven restaurant chain, First Watch carefully curates a menu that rotates multiple times a year to highlight the highest-quality flavors at their peak, elevating classic favorites and introducing innovative dishes. Their culinary philosophy, "Follow the Sun," embraces the freshness and quality of seasonal ingredients, crafting delicious dishes like Kale Tonic, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. Beyond its exceptional food offerings, First Watch has a strong dedication to community involvement, exemplified by their nonprofit efforts, which have raised approximately 2 million dollars to date for impactful local organizations.

With more than 630 locations spanning 32 states, First Watch has garnered multiple awards including the coveted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards for 2025, and has earned recognition as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025), alongside previous acknowledgments in 2022 and 2023. The company's emphasis on a positive workplace culture and high hospitality standards has made it a sought-after employer in the restaurant industry. This role is particularly appealing to individuals who appreciate a workplace where employees come first — a fact that resonates in its "YOU FIRST" philosophy, which prioritizes employee happiness and empowerment. This culture ensures that employees enjoy a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop, make decisions, and provide a stellar dining experience for guests.

The position available is for a Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch, a pivotal leadership role overseeing both the front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations. This manager will embody the company values and culture by fostering a team environment oriented toward serving others with passion. Describing the role, First Watch emphasizes the importance of coaching and developing team members, ensuring that all staff adhere to the high standards set for food quality, safety, and customer service. The manager will be responsible for not only the operational smoothness of daily shifts but also for driving sales and restaurant performance goals while maintaining a welcoming dining atmosphere.

This role offers unique benefits such as no night shifts—the employee's workday aligns with the restaurant's daytime hours, creating a balanced work-life rhythm. Additionally, the manager will be eligible for a quarterly bonus based on restaurant performance, encouraging proactive leadership that positively influences business outcomes. Other benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, retirement savings via a 401(k) program, short and long-term disability coverage, and various wellness perks including access to behavioral telemedicine, a premium Calm App subscription, and childcare support programs. Further, First Watch supports educational goals with tuition reimbursement and high school diploma programs, making this an attractive comprehensive career opportunity.

Joining First Watch as a Restaurant Operations Manager means becoming a part of a company that genuinely values and invests in its people, promotes growth, and delivers memorable daytime dining experiences. The role demands a leader with a passion for service, a strong sense of responsibility for quality and safety, and the ability to inspire and develop others. If you seek a dynamic environment where the passion for great food meets a culture of respect and constant improvement, this opportunity is designed for you.