About Us

First Watch franchise

About Our Franchise

A Daytime Café Brand Built on Freshness, Warmth & Operational Discipline

From a single neighborhood café to a nationwide daytime concept, our story has always centered on real food, real people, and a model that respects work–life balance.

Our Story

We pioneered the breakfast–brunch–lunch category with an ingredient-first menu and hospitality that feels like home. Today, we partner with operators who share our passion for daytime dining done right.

From Café to Category Leader

What began as a modest café has grown into a beloved daytime brand, known for made-to-order plates, fresh juices, and friendly service.

Daytime, By Design

Our focused operating hours (typically 7:00 AM–2:30 PM) enable consistent execution, predictable scheduling, and strong guest frequency.

Fresh Thinking

Seasonal menus, thoughtful sourcing, and culinary craft keep guests returning—while streamlined operations support franchise success.

Mission & Values

Our Mission

Serve fresh, feel-good daytime dining—and empower franchise partners with the training, tools, and support to deliver consistent hospitality and results.

HospitalityIntegrityQuality CommunityGrowthSimplicity

Our Vision

Be the most loved daytime café brand—recognized for real ingredients, warm service, and reliable operations in every market we enter.

Daytime Hours
Help teams thrive and owners scale sustainably.

Milestones

Select highlights from our growth journey. Exact dates vary by market development.

Neighborhood Beginnings

We introduced a daytime-only approach centered on fresh preparations and gracious service.

Regional Expansion

Standardized operations and training enabled consistent guest experiences across new locations.

National Recognition

Menu innovation, hospitality, and community programs fueled brand loyalty and industry accolades.

Franchise Growth

We partnered with experienced operators to bring the daytime model to new markets.

Leadership

Operators at heart. Our leadership translates best practices into clear playbooks for franchise partners.

Leader portrait
David Gaines – Vice President Operations
Multi-unit operations & training

Drives operational discipline, KPI cadence, and field support to help owners execute at a high level.

Leader portrait
Shane Schaibly – Senior Vice President of Culinary Strategy
Innovation & seasonal programs

Leads menu strategy and seasonal features that balance craveability with operational simplicity.

Leader portrait
Eric Hartman – VP, Development
Real estate & new unit growth

Partners on site selection, design, and build-out standards to accelerate time-to-opening.

Culture & Operating Principles

People First

We invest in training, recognition, and clear career paths—because guests feel the difference.

Playbooks & KPIs

Simple, repeatable systems and weekly metric reviews keep teams aligned and accountable.

Community Mindset

We show up locally—schools, hospitals, and charities—to build genuine relationships and loyalty.

Community & Sustainability

Community Partnerships

Local school & youth programs
Food security & donation initiatives
Healthcare & first responder outreach

Thoughtful Sourcing

Supplier standards and product traceability where feasible
Menu design that reduces waste & complexity
Packaging improvements and recycling where supported

Franchise Partner Support

We align with owners through practical support at each stage—from territory planning to grand opening and beyond.

Real Estate

Market planning, site criteria, LOI guidance, and landlord negotiations support.

Design & Build

Prototype plans, equipment specs, vendor programs, and project timelines.

Training & Ops

Owner/manager training, SOPs, staffing playbooks, and field visits.

Marketing

Brand campaigns, local store marketing toolkits, PR & grand opening support.

Tech & Reporting
Integrated POS, inventory tools, and dashboards to track sales, labor, and guest metrics.

Support offerings may vary by region and evolve over time. Ask the development team for current details.

Awards & Recognition

“A standout daytime concept with exceptional guest loyalty.”

— Industry Commentary

“Menu innovation that balances flavor, speed, and consistency.”

— Culinary Trade Press

“Operational discipline and hospitality that scale.”

— Franchise Media

Press
Local community partnerships
Coverage of school and charity collaborations in multiple markets.
Press
Grand openings
Regional announcements highlighting jobs and community investment.

Careers

We’re growing teams who care about food, people, and daytime hospitality. Ask about roles in management, culinary, and guest service.

Managers

Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams with a guest-first mindset.

Culinary

Bring our menu to life with consistency, speed, and attention to detail.

Service

Create memorable moments through warm, attentive hospitality.