Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. is participating in three investor conferences in March 2026, including a fireside chat that will be webcast live [1][3] Company Overview - First Watch is a leading Daytime Dining concept specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients [2] - The company follows a "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, rotating its chef-driven menu multiple times a year to highlight seasonal flavors [2] - First Watch has raised approximately $2.0 million through donations from kids' meals to support community organizations [2] - The company has received numerous awards, including being voted 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 and recognized as the 1 Most Loved Workplace in America for 2024 and 2025 [2] - First Watch operates over 630 restaurants across 32 states, focusing on quality, hospitality, and community [2] Upcoming Events - The company will meet with institutional investors at the 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2026, in Orlando, Florida [3] - First Watch will also participate in the Citi 2026 Global Consumer & Retail Conference on March 9, 2026, in Aventura, Florida [3] - Additionally, the company will attend the Bank of America Consumer & Retail Conference on March 10, 2026, in Miami, Florida [3]

Core Viewpoint - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. announces the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope, who will assist in the transition to his successor, ensuring continuity in financial leadership [1][2][3] Company Leadership Transition - Mel Hope has been with First Watch since 2018 and has played a crucial role in guiding the company through its IPO and various growth phases [2] - The company is actively seeking both internal and external candidates for the CFO position, with Hope expected to remain until a successor is appointed [1][2] Company Overview - First Watch is recognized as a leading Daytime Dining concept, specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients [3] - The company operates over 630 restaurants across 32 states and has received multiple awards, including 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 [3] - First Watch has a commitment to community impact, having raised approximately $2.0 million through donations linked to children's meals served [3]

Core Viewpoint - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. is set to release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results on February 24, 2026, before market opening [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be announced prior to market opening on February 24, 2026 [1]. - A conference call and webcast will follow the announcement at 8:00 AM ET, hosted by the CEO and CFO [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - First Watch is recognized as the leading Daytime Dining concept, specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients [3]. - The company operates over 630 restaurants across 32 states, emphasizing quality, hospitality, and community engagement [3]. - First Watch has received numerous awards, including being voted 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in 2025 and recognized as the 1 Most Loved Workplace in America for 2024 and 2025 [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase of 65% and EBITDA growth of 75% over the last three years [16] - For the fourth quarter, the company experienced positive same restaurant sales each month, although traffic was under pressure compared to previous quarters [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully added approximately 250 restaurants since going public, with a focus on disciplined unit expansion [18] - The introduction of alcohol has maintained a consistent sales mix, while the juice program has grown to represent 15% of total sales [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a positive trend in same restaurant sales and traffic, entering 2026 with momentum compared to peers [13] - The company is targeting a total addressable market of 2,200 locations, indicating significant growth potential [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a methodical and thoughtful growth strategy, balancing new unit openings with maintaining positive same-restaurant sales [50] - There is a focus on enhancing marketing capabilities and leveraging customer data to improve engagement and drive traffic [20][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026, citing positive traffic and sales trends despite challenges faced in the previous year [13] - The company is adapting to inflationary pressures by negotiating prices for key commodities and adjusting menu pricing accordingly [41][42] Other Important Information - The company has implemented changes to its third-party delivery strategy, resulting in significant double-digit growth in that category [34] - Labor costs increased by 4% due to minimum wage inflation, but turnover rates have improved, remaining below industry averages [46][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the big wins since going public? - Management highlighted disciplined unit expansion and operational excellence as key factors for growth [16][17] Question: What changes were made to improve traffic in 2025? - The company enhanced its marketing strategy, utilizing data to target customers more effectively [20][21] Question: How is the company addressing cost inflation? - Management noted that inflation on key commodities has moderated, and they are adjusting pricing strategies to defend margins [41][42] Question: What is the long-term growth outlook for the company? - The company maintains a target of 2,200 locations and is focused on a balanced approach to growth [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase of 65% and EBITDA growth of 75% over the last three years [15][16] - For the fourth quarter, the company experienced positive same restaurant sales each month, although traffic was under pressure compared to previous quarters [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully added approximately 250 restaurants since going public, with a focus on disciplined unit expansion [17][15] - The introduction of alcohol has maintained a consistent sales mix, while the juice program has grown to represent 15% of total sales [39][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a positive trend in traffic for the full year, entering 2026 with more momentum than some peers [13] - The company is targeting a total addressable market of 2,200 locations, indicating significant growth potential [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a methodical and thoughtful growth strategy, balancing new unit openings with maintaining positive same-restaurant sales [50][52] - A focus on marketing and customer data analytics has been introduced to enhance customer engagement and drive traffic [19][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged inflationary pressures on key commodities, with a full-year inflation rate of about 6%, but noted moderation in the second half of the year [41] - The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, citing a strong track record of performance in various economic climates [66] Other Important Information - The company has implemented changes to its third-party delivery strategy, resulting in significant double-digit growth in that category [33][30] - Labor costs increased by 4% due to regulatory minimum wage inflation, but turnover rates have improved and are below industry averages [46][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the big wins since going public? - Management highlighted disciplined unit expansion and operational excellence as key factors for growth [15][16] Question: How has traffic improved in 2025? - The company enhanced its marketing strategies and utilized customer data to drive traffic effectively [19][20] Question: What is the current ROI target for new restaurants? - The company targets an ROI of 18%-20% for new restaurant projects [56] Question: How does the company approach labor costs and turnover? - Management noted a 4% increase in labor costs but emphasized improved turnover rates due to a positive work environment [46][48] Question: What is the long-term growth potential for the company? - The company maintains a total addressable market of 2,200 locations and is focused on sustainable growth [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase of 65% and EBITDA growth of 75% over the last three years since going public [16] - For the full year, inflation ran about 6%, with early-year inflation on key commodities reaching 8% to 10% [34][35] - The company aims to maintain restaurant-level operating profit margins of 18% to 20% [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has added approximately 250 restaurants since going public, with a focus on disciplined unit expansion [18] - Alcohol sales have remained stable as a percentage of sales, while the juice program has grown to represent 15% of the mix [30][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully entered new markets, including Las Vegas, and continues to see positive same-restaurant sales and traffic [18][39] - The company has a total addressable market of 2,200 locations, indicating significant growth potential [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a methodical and thoughtful growth strategy, balancing new unit openings with maintaining positive same-restaurant sales [39] - A focus on marketing and customer data analytics has been introduced to enhance customer engagement and drive traffic [19][20][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026 with positive momentum, despite facing some pressure in the fourth quarter [13] - The company has a strong track record of delivering results in various economic climates, which management believes will continue [47] Other Important Information - The company has improved its approach to third-party delivery, resulting in significant double-digit growth in that category [28] - Labor costs increased by 4% last year, but turnover rates have been declining for ten consecutive quarters, indicating a positive work environment [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the big wins since going public? - Management highlighted disciplined unit expansion, operational excellence, and strategic franchise acquisitions as key factors for growth [16][17] Question: What changes were made to improve traffic in 2025? - The company implemented a more data-driven marketing strategy, targeting specific customer segments and optimizing messaging [19][20] Question: How has the introduction of alcohol affected sales? - Alcohol sales have remained stable, serving to eliminate veto votes, while the juice program has also contributed positively to sales [30][32] Question: What is the company's long-term growth outlook? - The company maintains a total addressable market of 2,200 locations and aims for a balanced approach to growth [39] Question: How does the company manage inflationary pressures? - The company negotiates prices for key commodities annually and adjusts menu pricing to defend margins [34][35]

Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group reported preliminary operational metrics for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2025, highlighting growth in same-restaurant sales and new restaurant openings [1][2]. Sales and Traffic Highlights - Same-restaurant sales growth for the fourth quarter was +3.1% and +3.6% for the fiscal year 2025 [3]. - Same-restaurant traffic growth was -1.9% in the fourth quarter but improved to +0.5% for the entire fiscal year [3]. Restaurant Development - In the fourth quarter, First Watch opened 13 new restaurants, comprising 12 company-owned and one franchise-owned [4]. - For the fiscal year 2025, the company achieved a total of 64 new restaurant openings (55 company-owned and nine franchise-owned) and recorded three closures, bringing the total to 633 system-wide restaurants by December 28, 2025 [4]. Company Strategy and Outlook - The CEO emphasized confidence in the execution of the long-term strategy and the strength of the pipeline for 2026, with new restaurant classes outperforming expectations [2].

Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. has appointed Rachel Tipograph to its Board of Directors, enhancing its leadership team as it aims to scale the brand through digital transformation and customer acquisition strategies [1][2]. Company Overview - First Watch is recognized as a leading Daytime Dining concept, specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a commitment to using the freshest ingredients [5]. - The company operates over 620 restaurants across 32 states, guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, which features a rotating menu that changes five times a year [5]. - First Watch has received numerous accolades, including being voted 2025's 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards and recognized as the 1 Most Loved Workplace in America for 2024 and 2025 [5]. Leadership and Expertise - Rachel Tipograph brings over 11 years of experience as the founder and CEO of MikMak, a commerce enablement and analytics software company, and previously served as Global Head of Digital and Social Media at Gap, Inc. [3][4]. - The Board of Directors includes members with diverse backgrounds, enhancing the company's strategic direction and operational expertise [4].

Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. will participate in two investor conferences in December 2025, including a fireside chat at the Barclays Annual Eat, Sleep, Play, Shop Conference and the Raymond James TMT & Consumer Conference [1][3] Company Overview - First Watch is a leading Daytime Dining concept specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch, utilizing the freshest ingredients available [2] - The company's culinary philosophy, "Follow the Sun," features a chef-driven menu that rotates five times a year, highlighting seasonal flavors and popular dishes such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon [2] - First Watch has raised over $1.7 million through donations for every kid's meal served, supporting various community causes [2] - The company has received numerous awards, including being voted 2025's 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards and recognized as the 1 Most Loved Workplace in America for 2024 and 2025 [2] - First Watch operates over 620 restaurants across 32 states, focusing on quality, hospitality, and community engagement [2]

Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. will participate in the Stephens Annual Investment Conference on November 18, 2025, to engage with institutional investors and host a fireside chat [1] - The fireside chat will be available for live streaming and will be archived on the company's investor relations website [2] Company Overview - First Watch is recognized as the leading Daytime Dining concept, specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a focus on fresh ingredients [3] - The company follows a "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, rotating its chef-driven menu five times a year to highlight seasonal flavors and offering popular dishes such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon [3] - First Watch has raised over $1.7 million through donations linked to children's meals served, supporting various community organizations [3] - The company has received numerous accolades, including being voted 2025's 1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards and recognized as the 1 Most Loved Workplace in America for 2024 and 2025 [3] - First Watch operates more than 620 restaurants across 32 states, emphasizing quality, hospitality, and community engagement [3]