---
title: "Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux® Appoints Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group, to Board of Directors"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/7f1e329e-6308-4beb-919b-9bfc142d7d6f
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20231201_walkons_sports_bistreaux_appoints_chris_tomasso_ceo_of_first_watch_restaura.html
category: "Bakery & breakfast"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Bakery & breakfast"
topics: ["People"]
published: 2023-12-01T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:44.883Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux® Appoints Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group, to Board of Directors

**TL;DR:** Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has appointed Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch Restaurant Group, to its Board of Directors. Tomasso brings over 25 years of experience in guiding the growth of leading brands in the restaurant and entertainment industries.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-12-01. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20231201_walkons_sports_bistreaux_appoints_chris_tomasso_ceo_of_first_watch_restaura.html).*

## Story

ATLANTA, GA – Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux announces the addition of Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch Restaurant Group, to its Board of Directors. Tomasso brings more than 25 years of experience in guiding the growth of leading brands in the restaurant and entertainment industries, including leading the 2021 IPO of First Watch.

In his tenure with First Watch, the concept has grown from 58 restaurants to more than 500 and has expanded its presence to 29 states. Tomasso has been consistently recognized for his leadership, including being named one of the most admired C-Suite executives by FSR Magazine in 2021.

“Walk-On’s is a brand I’ve admired for several years for its differentiated positioning, high-quality food and engaging atmosphere,” said Tomasso. “I look forward to leveraging the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from leading high-growth brands to help Walk-On’s.”

Tomasso’s appointment to the Board is the latest demonstration of Walk-On’s commitment to building a dynamic and high-performing team, focused on supporting the growth of their franchisees. Chris Dawson joined as Walk-On’s CEO from Driven Brands, where he demonstrated a track record of successfully scaling franchise concepts. Since joining Walk-On’s in June, Dawson has already added several accomplished senior executives to his team.

"We’re excited to have such an accomplished leader as Chris join our Board,” said Brandon Landry, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Walk-On’s. “Chris’ strategic leadership and deep brand-building expertise will help us ensure that Walk-On’s continues to connect with guests and deliver an experience that surpasses their expectations as we go through the next phase of our growth.”

The brand was founded by Brandon Landry in 2003 and subsequently attracted former pro football quarterback, Drew Brees, and 10 Point Capital, a private equity firm focused on building dominant franchise brands, as owners.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- franchise growth (topic)
- restaurant industry (topic)
- Driven Brands (company)
- Brandon Landry (person)
- 10 Point Capital (investor)
- Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (company)
- board appointment (topic)
- First Watch (company)
- Chris Dawson (person)
- Chris Tomasso (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20231201_walkons_sports_bistreaux_appoints_chris_tomasso_ceo_of_first_watch_restaura.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/7f1e329e-6308-4beb-919b-9bfc142d7d6f).