IPO Edge hosted a fireside chat at the 2023 ICR Conference with the CEO of First Watch, a daytime cafe known for its crafty and healthy menu. The in-person interview featured CEO, Chris Tomasso joined by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks. Watch the full recording below:
About First Watch
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch’s chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the protein-packed Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farmstand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Vodka Kale Tonic and its famous Million Dollar Bacon. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work award and named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2021, First Watch was recognized as FSR Magazine’s Best Menu and as the fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain based on unit growth. There are more than 455 First Watch restaurants in 29 states, and the restaurant concept is majority owned by Advent International, one of the world’s largest private-equity firms.
About CEO, Chris Tomasso
A seasoned executive leader with a track record of success, Chris has more than 25 years of experience guiding some of the most well-known brands in the restaurant and entertainment industries. In June of 2018, Chris was named Chief Executive Officer of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. after serving as President since December of 2015 and Chief Marketing Officer from 2006 to 2015. Prior to joining First Watch, Chris led strategic branding and marketing for renowned national and international brands such as Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Café International. He was honored on Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List in 2017 and recognized as one of the most admired C-Suite executives by FSR Magazine in 2021. Chris earned a B.A. from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and is an active alumnus who currently serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation Board of Directors. He was inducted into the university’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame in 2016.
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