First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Crowned #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for 2025

Laura Sorensen, Chief People Officer at First Watch, expressed her pride in receiving this honor, stating, “Being named America’s #1 Most Loved Workplace for the second consecutive year is a tremendous honor that reflects the heart of our company – our people.” Sorensen emphasized the company's unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of its employees through meaningful benefits, innovative programs, and a supportive culture that values teamwork and care.

The "You First" philosophy, originally modeled by the late co-founder Ken Pendery, has been pivotal as First Watch expands into new regions. Employee surveys highlighted the restaurant chain's outstanding work/life balance and an array of industry-leading benefits. These include backup child and elder care, free access to the Calm app for mental wellness, personal and professional coaching, complimentary telemedicine services, and programs for tuition reimbursement and high school diplomas.

First Watch has taken significant steps to ensure that its employees feel heard and valued. The company’s W.H.Y. Tour is a nationwide initiative where Sorensen, along with CEO Chris Tomasso and COO Dan Jones, holds video conversations with employees from various roles, including servers, cooks, and bussers. This initiative has proven to be productive, allowing for candid feedback that has led to meaningful changes in menu offerings, operating systems, and employee compensation. Since its launch in 2021, the W.H.Y. Tour has engaged over 1,500 employees, amassing more than 150 hours of dialogue.

First Watch’s commitment to its employees is further exemplified by its "No Nights Ever" model, which allows its more than 600 locations across 32 states to operate on a single shift. This model not only enables employees to forge deeper connections with one another but also allows them to enjoy their evenings with family and friends.

The Best Practice Institute’s annual Most Loved Workplaces® list is derived from extensive surveys of over 2.8 million employees from diverse sectors, alongside interviews with executives to assess workplace culture and leadership. This rigorous evaluation reinforces the credibility of First Watch's achievement and highlights the restaurant group's strong focus on employee satisfaction.

For over four decades, First Watch has been a leader in the Daytime Dining segment, renowned for its made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings. Guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, the restaurant's menu emphasizes fresh ingredients and regularly rotates to feature seasonal flavors. With an impressive array of award-winning dishes, including the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the signature Million Dollar Bacon, First Watch continues to redefine the breakfast dining experience.

In addition to its culinary excellence, First Watch is committed to giving back to the community, donating a portion of every kid’s meal to impactful organizations. To date, the restaurant group has raised over $1.7 million for various causes.

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.'s recognition as the #1 Most Loved Workplace® for the second consecutive year not only highlights its commitment to employee welfare but also sets a high standard for corporate culture in the restaurant industry. As the company continues to grow, its focus on fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its employees remains unwavering, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in both the culinary and workplace realms.