Restaurant Operations Manager
First Watch’s #1 priority is its people. Our YOU FIRST culture empowers employees with independence to make decisions that deliver an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for guests.
Benefits
- No night shifts
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
- 401(K) Retirement Savings Program (eligibility begins after 60 days of employment and age 21)
- Quarterly bonus payment based on restaurant performance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Bright Horizons back-up child and elder care
- Spot Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness, indemnity)
- Meal Discount
- Complimentary premium access to the Calm App, plus 5 gift subscriptions
- Unlimited access to medical and behavioral telemedicine through Cirrus MD
- Tuition Reimbursement & High School Diploma Program
- Perks at Work (over 30,000 discounts on travel, fitness, auto, event tickets, and more)
- Childcare Discount Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – enrollment within 30 days of hire; benefit begins the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment
Responsibilities
- Embody and reinforce the YOU FIRST culture and core values
- Oversee daily operations to ensure high standards in both kitchen and dining experience
- Follow and uphold First Watch recipes and sourcing standards
- Drive sales and traffic to exceed restaurant goals
- Coach and observe the First Watch Five Steps of Service at every table
- Implement the 10 Commitments in daily actions
- Respond promptly to customer and employee concerns
- Communicate and take ownership of repair and maintenance issues
- Maintain food-safety certification and coach safe food-handling practices
- Recruit and interview candidates to build the team
- Secure company assets, including computers, POS systems, security systems, and equipment
- Understand the responsibilities of every restaurant position
- Address and investigate inappropriate behavior immediately
- Train, coach, and develop team members daily
- Recognize and reward above-and-beyond performance
- Account for all daily revenues and deposits
- Complete administrative duties and submit required paperwork on time
About First Watch
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using the freshest ingredients. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, the chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature peak-season flavors, including elevated classics, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch donates a portion to community organizations, raising approximately $2.3 million to date. First Watch has earned multiple “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, including Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and was named the #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute in 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. With over 660 restaurants in 33 states, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining through quality, hospitality, and community.