Corporate doesn’t care for waitstaff - Server/Waiter First Watch Employee Review

3.0
8 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Easy serving, POS system is solid. Customers love the food and the menu is easy to learn. Host checks out customers, which saves you from running cards as a server. Good drink options to upsell.

Cons

Really intense server test, which includes memorization on “10 Commitments” that the company made up. You cannot earn tips until you pass this test. Small section, 3 2-top tables most of the time. Kitchen staff was constantly changing, with new training causing the kitchen to always fall behind. A/C was broken for an entire summer and had to walk through water puddles for a month from broken piping in the dish area. Lots of side work, and had many shifts were we rolled silverware for hours. We were even required to roll 100 rolls each on weekdays. One support shift(minimum wage with no tips), hosting, to-gos, and beverage is required per week, even when working 2 shifts in one week. Customers could pay with a QR code on the receipt, which would not work at times, so we would lose out on tips and not be compensated for our service at all. This happened on checks that were $100+ while I was there. Overtime was not allowed, so you were not able to work more than 5 shifts per week. Strict dress code, we were threatened to be fired if we did not buy the “correct shade of dark blue jeans.” Many servers struggled finding a pair that fit the standards and were comfortable, and spent hundreds of their own money to find them. A belt was also required, servers would be sent home if they forgot a belt.

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First Watch Response
2d
Thank you for sharing your feedback. While we're glad you had a good experience with customers, it's helpful to understand your concerns too. 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
13 May 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

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First Watch Response
2d
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
4 May 2026
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.

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First Watch Response
2d
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
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