Restaurant chain promotes exec to president

Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer of fast-growing breakfast-lunch-brunch chain First Watch, has been promoted to president, effective Jan. 1.

Tomasso will oversee all restaurant operations, along with marketing and culinary functions for University Park-based First Watch. He has worked in the restaurant industry for 23 years, including executive roles at Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Cafe International.

Chris “has always embraced our culture and has helped lead First Watch through years of brand evolution and aggressive growth,” says First Watch CEO Ken Pendery in a statement. Earlier this year, First Watch acquired 114 The Egg and I restaurants to increase its presence on a national scale.

First Watch is the fastest growing daytime-only restaurant in the country. It has more than 270 locations throughout 26 states.