Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Exact $65,000.00
Work Schedule
Day Shifts
Benefits
401(k)
Life insurance
short term disability
long term disability
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health Insurance
Meal Discount
Paid Time Off
Employee assistance program
Tuition Reimbursement
Childcare Discount Program
bonus program
Wellness app access
Telemedicine access
retirement savings plan
Job Description
First Watch is a leading daytime dining restaurant chain known for its made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings made from the freshest ingredients available. Embracing a unique "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, the company’s chef-driven menu is carefully curated and rotates multiple times per year to showcase a variety of the highest-quality flavors at their peak. The menu features elevated versions of classic breakfast items, fresh juices such as the Kale Tonic, and fan-favorite dishes including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. With over 630 locations across 32 states, First Watch has established itself as an award-winning brand, proudly recognized as the #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and named the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America in both 2024 and 2025 by the Best Practice Institute. The latter honor, featured in The Wall Street Journal, highlights First Watch's dedication not just to quality food but to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.
First Watch operates with a strong commitment to community involvement. For every kid's meal served, the company donates a portion of proceeds to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in communities, having contributed approximately $2 million to date. This focus on social responsibility pairs well with the company’s internal philosophy known as the YOU FIRST culture. This initiative places employee wellbeing at the forefront, offering a work environment free of night shifts, along with empowering managers and staff to independently make decisions that enhance the breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for customers. The organization values its employees deeply, humorously stating that they “love their employees more than bacon,” reflecting the genuine care and respect for all team members.
The Restaurant Operations Manager role at First Watch embodies this YOU FIRST culture. This position is perfect for individuals who have an inherent passion for service, delight in mornings, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. As a manager, you will not only be accountable for upholding high operational standards but also for supervising both kitchen and front-of-house activities, ensuring seamless execution of the restaurant experience. Your responsibilities include coaching and developing team members to excel in service and food safety while maintaining the brand’s core values and sales targets. You will be instrumental in promoting a positive workplace, by responding swiftly to customer and employee concerns, managing restaurant assets, overseeing food safety compliance, and supporting recruitment efforts. This leadership role offers substantial opportunities for professional growth within an expanding, award-winning company. Additionally, as an employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package and quarterly bonus incentives based on restaurant performance, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and excellence.
First Watch operates with a strong commitment to community involvement. For every kid's meal served, the company donates a portion of proceeds to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in communities, having contributed approximately $2 million to date. This focus on social responsibility pairs well with the company’s internal philosophy known as the YOU FIRST culture. This initiative places employee wellbeing at the forefront, offering a work environment free of night shifts, along with empowering managers and staff to independently make decisions that enhance the breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for customers. The organization values its employees deeply, humorously stating that they “love their employees more than bacon,” reflecting the genuine care and respect for all team members.
The Restaurant Operations Manager role at First Watch embodies this YOU FIRST culture. This position is perfect for individuals who have an inherent passion for service, delight in mornings, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. As a manager, you will not only be accountable for upholding high operational standards but also for supervising both kitchen and front-of-house activities, ensuring seamless execution of the restaurant experience. Your responsibilities include coaching and developing team members to excel in service and food safety while maintaining the brand’s core values and sales targets. You will be instrumental in promoting a positive workplace, by responding swiftly to customer and employee concerns, managing restaurant assets, overseeing food safety compliance, and supporting recruitment efforts. This leadership role offers substantial opportunities for professional growth within an expanding, award-winning company. Additionally, as an employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package and quarterly bonus incentives based on restaurant performance, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and excellence.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- minimum 2 years of management experience in a restaurant or food service environment
- food safety certification
- ability to work early morning shifts
- strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- excellent problem-solving abilities
- capability to train and develop staff
- availability to work daytime hours only
- commitment to upholding company values and customer service standards
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- proven experience in restaurant management or supervisory role
- strong leadership and coaching skills
- food safety certification
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- proficiency with point of sale systems and basic computer skills
- knowledge of restaurant financials and sales performance metrics
Job Duties
- Learns and supports our 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
- understands the background story of our 10 Commitments - and puts them into action
- responds with a sense of urgency to both customer and employee concerns
- communicates and takes immediate ownership of repair and maintenance issues
- is certified in food safety - and identifies and coaches in all areas of safe food handling
- is continuously scouting for and interviewing candidates to join our team
- keeps our company assets secure including computers, point of sale, security systems and equipment
- understands the key responsibilities of every position in the restaurant
- puts an immediate stop to any inappropriate behavior, investigates as needed
- trains, coaches, and develops team members daily
- recognizes performance that goes above and beyond
- accounts for all daily revenues and deposits
- completes our admin duties - and gets required paperwork in on time
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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