First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Retirement of Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope and Transition Plan

About this update from First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.

BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, announced today that Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope has informed the Company of his intent to retire later this year. The Company has commenced a process to identify his successor, considering both internal and external candidates. It is expected that Hope will remain as Chief Financial Officer until his successor is in place to ensure a seamless transition and serve as an advisor to the Company for a period thereafter. “Mel joined us with decades of experience and was invaluable in guiding our IPO process,” said Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch. “For nearly eight years, he has served as a steady hand and confidant – ushering our Company into multiple stages of growth and success. In true Mel fashion, he has positioned us well for this next phase – complete with a strong financial leadership team in place and his commitment to work with us through his successor’s transition. On behalf of our entire team, I’d like to thank Mel for his many contributions and leadership. We wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of life.” Hope joined First Watch in 2018. During his career, which began in 1984, Hope served as CFO of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC and held executive positions with several privately-owned organizations and startup ventures. “It has been an honor and my pleasure to serve as First Watch’s CFO, and to be part of this remarkable brand, working alongside our talented executive team,” said Hope. “The Company is well-positioned for continued and rapid growth, and I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition.” About First Watch First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy,  First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch pr...

View stock analysis, news, and events for First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.