Restaurant Operations Manager
First Watch’s #1 priority is its people. The YOU FIRST culture empowers employees with independence to make decisions that deliver an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience.
Benefits
- No night shifts
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
- 401(K) Retirement Savings Program (eligibility: 60 days of employment and 21 years of age)
- Quarterly bonus payment based on restaurant performance (for Restaurant Operations Managers)
- 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 promote the YOU FIRST culture and core values
- Oversee daily operations to ensure high standards in both kitchen and dining experience
- Adhere to and enforce recipes and food-sourcing standards
- Monitor and exceed restaurant sales and traffic 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 join the team
- Secure company assets, including computers, point-of-sale 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 outstanding performance
- Account for all daily revenues and deposits
- Complete administrative duties and submit required paperwork on time
About the Company
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept, serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using the freshest ingredients. The menu rotates seasonally to highlight peak flavors, featuring 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, totaling approximately $2.0 million to date. Recognized as #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute (2024 and 2025), First Watch operates over 630 restaurants across 32 states.