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      First Watch

      Engaged Employer

      First Watch reviews

      Growth opportunities overshadowed by long hours and micromanagement - General Manager First Watch Employee Review

      3.0
      May 4, 2026
      General manager
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Great place to grow if you’re willing to put in the work. I started as an Operations Manager and got promoted to General Manager, so there is definitely opportunity. I met a lot of good people along the way who pushed me and helped me develop. The team environment at the store level can be strong depending on who you work with.

      Cons

      Very long hours with little work-life balance. Scheduled early (around 6am) but most days you’re there until 4pm–5pm depending on staffing because of the close-to-open expectations. Upper management can be very micromanaging, even reaching out on days off. There were times we were expected to come in during severe weather/state emergencies, which didn’t feel like employee safety was a priority. Heavy focus on labor cuts — managers are expected to work the line, do prep, inventory, and everything else to save money. It can feel like the company cares more about numbers than people. The “You First” culture doesn’t always match reality. Also, at times it didn’t feel like diversity was truly valued, which can be discouraging.

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      1w
      Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience with management wasn’t positive. 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

      Explore other reviews about First Watch

      5.0
      May 13, 2026
      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      great food, great place to make fast money and you are paid everyday

      Cons

      you have to seat yourself during the week so you have to be able to balance your tables and flip them quickly while making sure your seating yourself

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      1w
      Thank you for the 5-Star review! We love hearing how much you enjoyed working at First Watch. This feedback will help the management team work to improve the experience of each employee. Thank you for your awesome review and for being part of the First Watch team.
      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.

      avatar
      First Watch Response
      22h
      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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