
Job Overview
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
No night shifts
Career growth opportunities
Employee assistance program
401(k) retirement savings
Lifestyle and wellness benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
short term disability
long term disability
Meal Discount
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Time Off
Childcare Discount Program
Job Description
First Watch is a leading Daytime Dining restaurant concept dedicated to serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Renowned for its chef-curated menu and commitment to using the freshest ingredients, First Watch consistently emphasizes quality, hospitality, and community impact. With a unique culinary philosophy dubbed "Follow the Sun," the menu rotates multiple times yearly to showcase peak seasonal flavors, offering customers elevated versions of classic favorites alongside innovative new dishes. Popular menu items include the Kale Tonic juice, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. The company also demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility, donating a portion of every kid's meal sold to community-based organizations, having raised approximately $2 million to date.
Operating over 630 locations across 32 states, First Watch has earned numerous accolades such as "#1 Best Breakfast" by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and being named the "#1 Most Loved Workplace in America" by the Best Practice Institute in 2024 and 2025. The culture at First Watch is centered around its "YOU FIRST" philosophy, prioritizing employee well-being by offering no night shifts, empowering decision-making independence, and creating an inclusive work environment. Employees enjoy perks like a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) retirement savings, comprehensive health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off, among others.
The Restaurant Operations Manager role is designed for leaders who are passionate about mornings, great food, and exceptional service. Managers at First Watch are entrusted with overseeing both the back-of-house (kitchen) and front-of-house (dining) operations without the traditional divide, promoting a holistic approach to restaurant management. This position requires a strong commitment to coaching and developing team members to foster a positive and customer-centric environment. Managers lead by example in implementing company core values, the "First Watch Five Steps of Service," and the "10 Commitments" that guide the team's performance and guest interactions.
This role demands an individual adept at managing daily restaurant operations with high standards, ensuring adherence to recipes and food safety protocols, and actively pursuing sales and traffic goals. The manager also handles employee relations by addressing concerns swiftly and maintaining security of company assets. Administrative responsibilities include handling daily revenues, deposits, paperwork, and scheduling interviews to maintain a skilled and motivated team.
Emphasizing leadership, operational excellence, and an employee-first mindset, this management position not only offers a competitive environment but also eligibility for quarterly bonus payments based on restaurant performance. This role is crucial in maintaining the reputation First Watch has built as a top-rated breakfast, brunch, and lunch destination, all while upholding its core values and commitment to employee happiness.
Operating over 630 locations across 32 states, First Watch has earned numerous accolades such as "#1 Best Breakfast" by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and being named the "#1 Most Loved Workplace in America" by the Best Practice Institute in 2024 and 2025. The culture at First Watch is centered around its "YOU FIRST" philosophy, prioritizing employee well-being by offering no night shifts, empowering decision-making independence, and creating an inclusive work environment. Employees enjoy perks like a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) retirement savings, comprehensive health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off, among others.
The Restaurant Operations Manager role is designed for leaders who are passionate about mornings, great food, and exceptional service. Managers at First Watch are entrusted with overseeing both the back-of-house (kitchen) and front-of-house (dining) operations without the traditional divide, promoting a holistic approach to restaurant management. This position requires a strong commitment to coaching and developing team members to foster a positive and customer-centric environment. Managers lead by example in implementing company core values, the "First Watch Five Steps of Service," and the "10 Commitments" that guide the team's performance and guest interactions.
This role demands an individual adept at managing daily restaurant operations with high standards, ensuring adherence to recipes and food safety protocols, and actively pursuing sales and traffic goals. The manager also handles employee relations by addressing concerns swiftly and maintaining security of company assets. Administrative responsibilities include handling daily revenues, deposits, paperwork, and scheduling interviews to maintain a skilled and motivated team.
Emphasizing leadership, operational excellence, and an employee-first mindset, this management position not only offers a competitive environment but also eligibility for quarterly bonus payments based on restaurant performance. This role is crucial in maintaining the reputation First Watch has built as a top-rated breakfast, brunch, and lunch destination, all while upholding its core values and commitment to employee happiness.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in restaurant management or related field
- Food safety certification or willingness to obtain it
- Strong leadership and coaching abilities
- Ability to multitask and manage daily operations efficiently
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work mornings and weekends
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Prior restaurant or hospitality management experience preferred
- Certified in food safety or willing to obtain certification
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Ability to manage both kitchen and dining room operations
- Experience with financial accountability and reporting
- Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to operational issues
- Ability to work early morning shifts
- Knowledge of customer service excellence
Job Duties
- Learn and support the You First culture and core values
- Put supervisory skills to use to ensure daily operations run according to plan and with high standards
- Ensure recipes are followed consistently to maintain food quality
- Monitor restaurant sales and traffic goals and work to exceed them
- Coach and observe the implementation of the First Watch Five Steps of Service at every table
- Respond promptly to customer and employee concerns
- Communicate and take ownership of repair and maintenance issues
- Maintain food safety certification and coach team on safe food handling
- Scout, interview, and recruit candidates to build a strong team
- Secure company assets including computers, POS, security systems, and equipment
- Enforce appropriate behavior and investigate issues as needed
- Train, coach, and develop team members daily
- Account for all daily revenues and deposits
- Complete administrative duties and submit paperwork on time
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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