First Watch hires new CFO

BRADENTON — First Watch, the operator of more than 100 eateries, has hired Paul Hineman as its chief financial officer.

Hineman most recently was executive vice president of the National Restaurant Association. Previously, Hineman has held senior finance and accounting positions with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Planet Hollywood International.

“It's no secret that we've been expanding rather rapidly throughout the U.S., and we expect that growth to continue,” says Ken Pendery, the CEO of First Watch, in a statement. “Paul will help maintain strong financial management as we move forward.”

First Watch opened nine new restaurants so far this year and it has entered the Atlanta market. Plans call for at least seven more restaurants to open before the end of the year.

First Watch operates more than 100 restaurants in 15 states. The company says it plans to have 300 restaurants by 2017.