Is First Watch a good company to work for?

First Watch has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 1,926 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months. 63% of employees would recommend working at First Watch to a friend and 61% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about First Watch have been left by employees working as Director of Operations , Black Apron and Cafe Manager .

Does First Watch pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, First Watch employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.2 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at First Watch. This rating has decreased by 6% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at First Watch?

63% of First Watch employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated First Watch 3.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.5 for culture and values and 3.4 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at First Watch?

Server (632) , Server/Waiter (294) , Operations Manager (124) , General Manager (70) , Line Cook (65) , Busser/Runner (46) , Server/Waitress (36) , Manager (34) , Director of Operations (30) , Dishwasher (27) , Cook (26) , Waitress (21) , Food Server (18) , Black Apron (16) , Busser (15)

What are the pros of working at First Watch according to real employee reviews?

"The pay structure/ tip out was typically solid making good money on most weekends." ((in 175 reviews)); "The pay is good and there's a program that pays for 20% of your college tuition." ((in 89 reviews)); "great food and people to work with were awesome" ((in 67 reviews)); "Great product and a culture I can be proud to represent." ((in 59 reviews)); "I loved my coworkers and the hours are great!" ((in 57 reviews))

What are the cons of working at First Watch according to real employee reviews?

"poor management and had managers try to make job difficult" ((in 139 reviews)); "Managers have a lot of responsibility and spend most of their time in the kitchen rather than being up front dealing with customers." ((in 71 reviews)); "long hours (serving shift is open to close because it is breakfast/lunch only)" ((in 38 reviews)); "Upper management is so completely out of touch it's almost as if they have never worked in a restaurant (spoiler: most of them haven't)" ((in 28 reviews)); "Also lots of favoritism" ((in 25 reviews))

What are the top reviewed First Watch locations?

Tampa , Orlando , Sarasota , Jacksonville , Raleigh , Louisville , Columbus , Houston , Cincinnati , Kansas City , Phoenix , Charlotte , Dallas , San Antonio , Atlanta , Saint Louis , Austin , Knoxville , Bradenton , Lexington-Fayette , Scottsdale , Naples , Tucson , College Station , Miami , Richmond , Fort Worth , Katy , Nashville , Overland Park

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First Watch reviews

Not what it was. - Operations Manager First Watch Employee Review

3.0

Aug 26, 2024

Operations manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The hours are good. There is advancement opportunities whether a new hire or internally promoted. Great product used. Great operational systems in place for efficient operations. High cleaning standards. Regular communication with supervisors. Great communication from Admin down to operational levels.

Cons

Managerial Politics will have equal and possibly more weight in a conversation of promotion as the individual's qualifications, productivity, history, or experience with the company. They will will take advantage of the taboo of sharing salaries and underpay or cut back on raises for the reason listed above. The company used to have a "You First" mission statement that meant as managers we take care of our staff and put them first, just as our bosses do for us and so on. Leading to a culture of well taken care of customers and happy employees. Now the company is sliding down the slope into "dollar first."

First Watch Response

Thanks for taking the time to submit your review. While we love that you enjoy the opportunities for growth, operational systems, high cleaning standards, and great communication at all levels, we're saddened to learn about your experience as we strive to be “You First” in all that we do. We would love to hear more from you by calling our anonymous employee hotline at 844-484-8963. We appreciate you!

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

First Watch Response

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.

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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Jobs at First Watch

Restaurant Operations Manager

Restaurant Operations Manager

Restaurant Operations Manager

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Restaurant Operations Manager

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Not what it was. - Operations Manager First Watch Employee Review

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