Newsweek: First Watch is most-loved workplace in US

First Watch, which has its headquarters in east Manatee County, is the most-loved workplace in America, according to Newsweek. It came in at No. 1 on a list of the 200 most-loved workplaces in the country compiled by the magazine based on employee feedback.

To identify workplaces with high employee satisfaction, Newsweek partnered with research firm Best Practice Institute to survey more than 2.6 million workers at businesses around the United States.

More than 14,000 people work for First Watch, which operates over 535 restaurants in 29 states.

“To be named the ‘Most Loved Workplace’ in America is an incredible honor, because it’s all about our employees, and they mean the world to us,” Chief People Officer at First Watch Laura Sorensen says in a statement. “At First Watch, our people are our purpose, which is why we continue to invest in their quality of life with important benefits and programs.”

First Watch was recognized by Newsweek for benefits it offers its employees, including access to affordable back-up child and elder care and listening tours in which Sorenson, CEO/President Chris Tomasso and COO Dan Jones host video conversations with servers, cooks, dishwashers and bussers to get their feedback. So far in 2024, the leadership team has participated in 24 tours with 350 team members, totaling 35 hours, according to a statement from First Watch.

The company that specializes in breakfast and lunch also provides all of its employees with Calm app memberships, telemedicine services with no out-of-pocket expenses as well as high school diploma and tuition reimbursement programs. In addition, it has established a training program at its headquarters called the First Watch Academy of Restaurant Management (F.A.R.M.), where new leaders are invited for a week to learn about everything from the company’s history and cultural pillars to leadership and management tools.

This marks the third consecutive year that First Watch has made Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces list and the first time it has secured the top spot.

Other companies in the region that made the 2024 list include outsourcing company Bold Business of St. Petersburg, ranked No. 28, and information technology firm KnowBe4 of Clearwater, at No. 55.