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      First Watch

      Engaged Employer

      First Watch reviews

      Great staff. Horrible management - Anonymous employee First Watch Employee Review

      4.0
      Apr 17, 2026
      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      The teammates are amazing. I can’t say anything bad about 90% of the staff they lead a good culture as long as it is followed and created by the manager.

      Cons

      Managers work way over the pay. The salary of a OM or GM is not worth the amount of work and stress put into it. I’ve been in the business 20 years and multiple roles. I can honestly say that I have never worked as many hours after close and on my “days off” the “you first culture” definitely does not apply to salary staff. And don’t ever think you’re not expendable.

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      3mo
      Thanks for the feedback. We are happy to hear waht a great team you had, but it is also important for us to understand your concerns. We pride ourselves on our “You First” culture and are so disappointed to hear that you felt that way. We'd love to learn more about any experience that led you to feel like we don’t care for our employees., and it sounds like we really dropped the ball somewhere. Would you mind reaching out to us by calling our anonymous employee hotline at 844-484-8963 with more information? Thanks again, and we hope to hear from you soon.

      Explore other reviews about First Watch

      5.0
      Jul 5, 2026
      Marketing manager
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Great Place with Great People

      Cons

      None really. Everyone was nice to work with and respectable

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      1w
      Thanks for your 5-Star review. We’re so happy you chose First Watch as your employer and enjoy the environment and people you work with! Thanks again for the review – we appreciate you.
      3.0
      Jun 5, 2026
      Server/hostess
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      The store is only open until 2:30 so you’re guaranteed your nights off. The menu is fairly easy to learn and the seasonal menu doesn’t change that often.

      Cons

      Could be my stores location, but we are constantly fighting for hours and tables. There’s not enough income for all here. And when it’s brought up to management they say it’s our “slow season” but turn around and hired three more servers. Also the meanest clientele that I have ever worked with. Very demanding with little patience, and either bad tips ($2-$4) or no tips at all. Especially on large parties. I have spoke to many employees who have worked 3+ years for the company and many of them want to leave. Too often those that don’t do their work are rewarded and it’s put on the shoulders of those that do.

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      1mo
      We appreciate your feedback here. While we're glad you enjoy the daytime-only hours, it's helpful to understand your concerns too. If you wouldn't mind calling our anonymous employee hotline at 844-484-8963, we'd love to follow up and better understand and address your concerns where possible. Any feedback helps us, and we're grateful for yours.
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