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First Watch

Marketing

For Top 500 family-dining chains, it's back to the future

 By Peter Romeo on Jun. 04, 2024

The segment's old guard is striving to amp up its traditional strength of providing value, but with more relevant and higher-quality menu options.

Leadership

First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso wins operator of the year honors from IFMA

 By Peter Romeo on May 19, 2024

The full-service veteran was named this year's winner of the Gold Plate award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).

Financing

First Watch's traffic slides in Q1, but don't expect price-off specials to follow

By Peter Romeo on May 07, 2024

Management at the daytime dining chain said it will focus instead on bringing back strong customer lures from the past.

Operations

Hitting resistance elsewhere, ghost kitchens and virtual concepts find a happy home in family dining

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 24, 2024

Reality Check: Old-guard chains are finding the alternative operations to be persistently effective side hustles.

Leadership

First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at age 70

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2024

He was involved in the daytime dining chain for 38 years, many of them spent as CEO. "Ken's impact and influence is—and will forever be—felt throughout our organization," current CEO Chris Tomasso said.

Financing

First Watch blazes its own path on tech, aiming for multiple benefits

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2024

The breakfast-and-lunch chain is proceeding slowly and selectively in building its stack.

Leadership

First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso among IFMA Silver Plate Award winners

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 05, 2024

The 70th annual awards from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association recognize leaders who have made lasting contributions to advance the foodservice industry.

Food

First Watch brings brunch boards and cocktail flights to menu at newest location

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 17, 2024

To mark the opening of its new location in Downtown Nashville, the breakfast-lunch concept is giving Music City guests a little something different.

Operations

First Watch agrees to acquire one of its largest franchisees

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 08, 2024

The chain will pick up 21 restaurants in North Carolina, bringing total franchised location acquisitions since May to 44.

Financing

First Watch shifts its growth engine into high gear

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 01, 2023

The breakfast-and-lunch chain recently opened its 500th location and has many others under development as it works to expand its presence.

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