Business
First Watch Named #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for Second Consecutive Year
Daytime Dining leader recognized for the fourth year powered by employee voices BRADENTON, Fla., Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch, the leading
About this update from First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Daytime Dining leader recognized for the fourth year powered by employee voices\nBRADENTON, Fla., Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch, the leading Daytime Dining restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, has been named the #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America for the second year in a row. This is the fourth consecutive year First Watch has been recognized on the list – a demonstration of the company’s focus on championing its “You First” culture for its more than 15,000 employees. The recognition is a result of employee surveys and third-party research completed by Best Practice Institute – and marks the first time a company has ever received the top honor across two consecutive years. “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,” said Laura Sorensen, Chief People Officer. “At First Watch, our employees are the reason we exist, and we’re deeply committed to enhancing their lives through meaningful benefits and impactful programs. But beyond that, it’s the daily experience in our restaurants – the teamwork, the care and the culture – that truly defines who we are. Guided by our ‘You First’ philosophy, we strive to create amazing opportunities for our people, and we approach that vision with unwavering dedication.” This year, First Watch was specifically recognized for maintaining its award-winning “You First” culture – originally modeled by its late co-founder Ken Pendery – as the company scales into new states and regions. Additionally, employee surveys conducted by Best Practice Institute celebrated First Watch’s work/life balance and industry-leading benefits, like back up child and elder care, free access to the Calm app, personal and professional coaching, free telemedicine services, plus free high school diploma and tuition reimbursement programs. When it comes to maintaining culture and meeting employees where they are, First Watch credits the company’s W.H.Y. (We Hear You) Tour, where Sorensen and CEO and President Chris Tomasso and COO Dan Jones host nationwide video conversations with servers, cooks, dishwashers and bussers to listen to and act upon their candid feedback. These conversations have prompted tangible and meaningful enhancements to the menu, operating systems, and employee compensation...