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 national expansion and brand development, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across all locations in the eastern United States. This leadership role involves aligning corporate objectives with the made-from-scratch menu philosophy to drive long-term market growth. By fostering a culture of hospitality, Christopher Tomasso directly impacts the company's competitive positioning within the breakfast and lunch sector. Tomasso manages high-level relationships with stakeholders and the Board to maintain financial health and operational excellence. Through rigorous oversight of brand standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the company's reputation as a leader in the daytime dining industry. Tomasso consistently evaluates market trends to refine the business model for sustained success.

Ashlee Weisser, the Chief Financial Officer at First Watch, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support regional growth. This leadership role involves analyzing operational costs associated with fresh ingredient sourcing and supply chain logistics. By optimizing financial performance, Ashlee Weisser directly impacts the profitability of the restaurant group. Weisser collaborates with the executive team to forecast revenue trends and mitigate economic risks across the eastern United States. Through precise budget management and capital investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of the breakfast, brunch, and lunch footprint. Weisser maintains rigorous internal controls to ensure transparency and long-term value creation for all stakeholders involved in the business.

Laura Sorensen, the Chief People Officer at First Watch, directs human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership training, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce aligns with the company's service-oriented culture. This leadership role involves building scalable programs to support staff retention across the eastern United States. By fostering an inclusive environment, Laura Sorensen directly impacts the quality of guest interactions and overall operational efficiency. Sorensen collaborates with department heads to implement performance management systems that reward excellence in the kitchen and dining room. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer secures the talent necessary to maintain the high standards of the breakfast and lunch brand. Sorensen drives initiatives that promote professional growth and organizational health, ensuring the company remains an employer of choice within the competitive hospitality industry.

Jay Wolszczak, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at First Watch, directs all legal affairs and corporate governance matters. Overseeing regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and risk management, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures the company operates within the legal frameworks of the eastern United States. This leadership role involves protecting intellectual property and managing complex litigation to safeguard the brand's integrity. By providing strategic counsel to the Board, Jay Wolszczak directly impacts the company's ability to navigate expansion challenges and operational hurdles. Wolszczak manages relationships with external legal partners to address labor laws and real estate acquisitions essential for new restaurant openings. Through proactive policy development, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel mitigates potential liabilities and supports the company's commitment to ethical business practices. Wolszczak maintains the legal foundation required for sustained growth and operational stability.