
First Watch to tap the brakes on unit growth
First Watch plans to open about 55 new locations in 2027, a slower pace than the 62 it is opening this year, to improve cash flow and strengthen its balance sheet.
Chris Tomasso is a person in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2020. 11 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher.

First Watch plans to open about 55 new locations in 2027, a slower pace than the 62 it is opening this year, to improve cash flow and strengthen its balance sheet.

First Watch CFO Ashlee Weisser is leading a strategy that prioritizes increased marketing spend and menu innovation to drive consistent same-store sales growth.

First Watch’s positive momentum continues, with another strong quarter of 3.4% same-store sales growth and double-digit revenue growth for the second quarter, thanks to a robust pipeline of store openings.

- Casual Dining - Finance - Operations - News First Watch reports higher sales, raises outlook after solid Q2 Same-store sales grew 3.4% and traffic has improved, even though the l

Ashlee Weisser, who has worked at First Watch since 2023, takes over for the retiring Mel Hope.
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Technomic data reveals a significant performance divide between traditional three-meal family dining brands and high-growth breakfast-and-lunch-only concepts.

First Watch reported a 2.8% increase in same-store sales following its first major core menu overhaul in nearly a decade, boosting average check sizes.

First Watch Restaurant Group is acquiring 15 of its franchise-owned restaurants in North Carolina and South Carolina for $49 million.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux announces the addition of Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch Restaurant Group, to its Board of Directors.

First Watch, a daytime-only restaurant chain, serves classic breakfast items and specialty offerings like the Quinoa Power Bowl and Avocado Toast.

Franchisors are struggling to save the breakfast daypart, with COVID-19 having a significant impact on the industry.