First Watch reviews

3.7

63% would recommend to a friend

(452 total reviews)
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Chris Tomasso

69% approve of CEO

61% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

452 reviews

Reviews about "Compensation"

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3.0
May 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Easy serving, POS system is solid. Customers love the food and the menu is easy to learn. Host checks out customers, which saves you from running cards as a server. Good drink options to upsell.

Cons

Really intense server test, which includes memorization on “10 Commitments” that the company made up. You cannot earn tips until you pass this test. Small section, 3 2-top tables most of the time. Kitchen staff was constantly changing, with new training causing the kitchen to always fall behind. A/C was broken for an entire summer and had to walk through water puddles for a month from broken piping in the dish area. Lots of side work, and had many shifts were we rolled silverware for hours. We were even required to roll 100 rolls each on weekdays. One support shift(minimum wage with no tips), hosting, to-gos, and beverage is required per week, even when working 2 shifts in one week. Customers could pay with a QR code on the receipt, which would not work at times, so we would lose out on tips and not be compensated for our service at all. This happened on checks that were $100+ while I was there. Overtime was not allowed, so you were not able to work more than 5 shifts per week. Strict dress code, we were threatened to be fired if we did not buy the “correct shade of dark blue jeans.” Many servers struggled finding a pair that fit the standards and were comfortable, and spent hundreds of their own money to find them. A belt was also required, servers would be sent home if they forgot a belt.

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First Watch Response
1mo
Thank you for sharing your feedback. While we're glad you had a good experience with customers, it's helpful to understand your concerns too. Every day, we strive to show appreciation for our teams and listen to their concerns. Would you mind providing us with more information by calling our anonymous employee hotline at 844-484-8963? Thanks again, and we hope to hear from you soon.
1.0
May 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good hours to leave no money to make tho

Cons

Frat boy culture all mangers care about is their bonuses. 90% managers, operational managers, general managers, regional managers. Can’t cook or run the line but in positions because somebody they know. I had a manager refuse to fire somebody because it would’ve messed up his monthly bonus but would rather me 13 out of 14 days in one pay cycle avoid this job at all cost for any position

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First Watch Response
1mo
Thanks for the feedback. We pride ourselves on our “You First” culture and are so disappointed to hear that you felt that way. 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.
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