First Watch Executive and Leadership Team

Christopher Tomasso, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Watch, directs the overarching strategic vision for the restaurant group. Overseeing the expansion of the brand across the eastern United States, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every location maintains the high standards of fresh, made-from-scratch meals. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive long-term growth and market penetration. By prioritizing the breakfast, brunch, and lunch segments, Christopher Tomasso shapes the competitive positioning of the company within the hospitality industry. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors operational performance metrics to guarantee consistent quality across all regional markets. Through rigorous focus on brand identity and customer satisfaction, the executive secures the future trajectory of the organization. Strategic decisions made by Tomasso directly influence the scalability of the business model while fostering a culture of excellence throughout the entire corporate structure.

Ashlee Weisser, the Chief Financial Officer at First Watch, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the restaurant group. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing expansion. This leadership role requires precise analysis of market trends and operational costs to optimize profitability across the eastern United States. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Ashlee Weisser protects the assets of the organization while enabling investment in new locations and menu innovation. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align fiscal objectives with the broader mission of delivering high-quality dining experiences. Through disciplined management of cash flow and capital expenditures, Weisser drives sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data-driven insights to guide executive decision-making, ensuring the long-term financial stability of the enterprise in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Ken Pemdry, the President at First Watch, directs the day-to-day operational execution and service delivery across the restaurant network. Overseeing the efficiency of kitchen operations and front-of-house standards, the President ensures that every guest receives the signature fresh, made-from-scratch experience. This leadership role involves managing regional performance and streamlining supply chain logistics to maintain consistency throughout the eastern United States. By optimizing operational workflows, Ken Pemdry improves speed of service and overall restaurant profitability. The President collaborates with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable field initiatives. Through constant monitoring of site-level performance, Pemdry identifies opportunities for process improvement and service enhancement. The President maintains a sharp focus on the breakfast, brunch, and lunch segments, ensuring that operational practices remain responsive to changing consumer preferences. By driving excellence in daily execution, the executive supports the broader growth objectives and market impact of the entire organization.

Laura Sorensen, the Chief People Officer at First Watch, architects the human capital strategy for the entire restaurant group. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the core mission of providing exceptional hospitality. This leadership role involves designing training programs that uphold the quality of made-from-scratch meals through a skilled and motivated team. By fostering an inclusive environment across the eastern United States, Laura Sorensen drives high retention rates and operational excellence. The Chief People Officer works closely with the executive team to integrate personnel goals with business performance targets. Through the implementation of comprehensive benefits and career pathing initiatives, Sorensen strengthens the internal foundation of the company. The Chief People Officer continuously evaluates workplace dynamics to ensure that the culture supports the rapid growth and service standards expected by customers in every market.