Chris Tomasso is the President & CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG), the leading daytime dining concept in the United States. Tomasso has led First Watch since June 2018, transforming the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant chain from a regional concept into a publicly traded national brand with over 633 locations across 32 states. Under his leadership, First Watch completed its 2021 NASDAQ IPO and posted record revenue of $1.22 billion in fiscal year 2025 with 64 new system-wide restaurant openings — the most in the company’s 40+ year history. A first-generation college graduate, Tomasso rose through marketing roles at Hard Rock Cafe and Cracker Barrel before joining First Watch in 2006.

Chris Tomasso – Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Chris Tomasso was born around 1970 in Rhode Island. He moved to Sarasota, Florida, at the age of nine, where he grew up in a working-class family. His father was a car salesman and his mother was a homemaker. Tomasso was the first person in his family to attend college, a fact he has spoken about frequently as shaping his work ethic and leadership philosophy.

Tomasso’s restaurant career began at age 14, when he started washing dishes at his uncle’s Italian restaurant. He progressed to prep cook and eventually ran the pizza oven in the dining room. He also worked as a dishwasher at a high-volume Amish buffet restaurant and as a meat carver at another establishment — early experiences that gave him a deep appreciation for the operational side of the restaurant business.

After starting at a community college, Tomasso transferred to the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993. He remains an active alumnus and previously served on the UCF Foundation Board of Directors. In 2016, he was inducted into the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame.

Career History

Chris Tomasso’s career spans more than 30 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, with executive leadership roles at several major national brands before rising to lead First Watch.

Hard Rock Cafe International

Tomasso began his corporate career at Hard Rock Cafe International, where he served as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing. At Hard Rock, he developed expertise in brand building and experiential marketing, bringing rock-and-roll branding principles to the casual dining space. This marketing DNA would later prove instrumental in transforming First Watch’s brand identity.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Following his time at Hard Rock, Tomasso joined Cracker Barrel Old Country Store as Vice President of Marketing. At the iconic Southern restaurant and retail chain, he honed his skills in driving customer traffic and building brand loyalty for a large-scale, multi-unit restaurant concept.

First Watch (2006–Present)

In 2006, Tomasso joined First Watch as Chief Marketing Officer. Over the next decade, he helped redefine the brand’s identity, positioning First Watch as a premium daytime dining experience focused on fresh, made-to-order meals. In December 2015, he was promoted to President, taking on broader operational responsibility. In June 2018, he was named CEO, succeeding co-founder Ken Pendery.

Chris Tomasso Career Timeline

CEO Role & Leadership at First Watch

Since becoming CEO in June 2018, Chris Tomasso has overseen a period of transformative growth at First Watch. Under his leadership, the company has evolved from a regional breakfast chain into the nation’s leading daytime dining concept.

NASDAQ IPO (October 2021)

One of Tomasso’s most significant achievements was leading First Watch’s initial public offering on the NASDAQ exchange in October 2021, trading under the ticker symbol FWRG. The IPO raised capital to fund the company’s aggressive expansion plans and marked a major milestone in First Watch’s 40+ year history.

Record Expansion

Under Tomasso, First Watch has executed an ambitious growth strategy. In fiscal year 2025, the company opened a record 64 new system-wide restaurants across 23 states — the most openings in the company’s history. The total restaurant count reached 633 locations (560 company-owned, 73 franchise-owned) across 32 states. The company has identified a long-term opportunity for more than 2,200 restaurants across the United States.

Leadership & Achievements

• Revenue Milestone: Grew total revenues from approximately $350 million at the time of his CEO appointment to $1.22 billion in FY2025 — a 249% increase
• NASDAQ IPO: Successfully led First Watch’s public offering in October 2021
• Record Expansion: 64 new restaurant openings in FY2025 across 23 states
• Brand Transformation: Repositioned First Watch as a premium daytime dining brand focused on fresh, made-to-order cuisine
• Nation’s Restaurant News Power List: Named in 2017
• 2024 Gold Plate Award: Honored by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
• FSR Magazine: Named one of the most admired C-Suite executives (2021)
• UCF Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame (2016)

Personal Life

Chris Tomasso is married to Melissa Tomasso, who is also a UCF alumna (Class of 1994). Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and has held marketing and public relations roles at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The couple lives in Sarasota, Florida.

The Tomasso family has strong ties to UCF. Their son, Jared Tomasso (UCF Class of 2021), works with the Tampa Bay Rays, and their daughter Malia has also attended UCF. Chris has spoken publicly about how being a first-generation college graduate shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to mentoring younger employees.

Tomasso is known for his passion for fresh food and culinary innovation. He has emphasized that First Watch’s commitment to quality ingredients — including fresh-squeezed juices made in-house daily — is a core differentiator. Outside of work, he is an active member of the Sarasota community.

Chris Tomasso Net Worth 2026 – Salary & Compensation

As of 2026, Chris Tomasso’s estimated net worth is approximately $13–16 million, based primarily on his First Watch (FWRG) stock holdings. According to the most recent SEC filings, Tomasso directly owns 1,087,459 shares of FWRG common stock, plus 500 shares held indirectly through his daughter. He was also awarded 321,027 restricted stock units in March 2026 that will vest over three years.

First Watch CEO Compensation Breakdown (FY2024)

First Watch Net Worth 2026 – Financial Summary

First Watch Restaurant Group has delivered strong financial results under Tomasso’s leadership. In fiscal year 2025 (ended December 28, 2025), the company reported record revenue of $1.22 billion, up 20.3% year-over-year, driven by both new restaurant openings and same-restaurant sales growth of 3.6%.

First Watch CEO Email Address | Chris Tomasso Contact

Below are the official contact details for First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso:

First Watch Competitors

First Watch operates in the competitive daytime dining and casual breakfast segment. Key competitors include:

• Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN) – Full-service family restaurant chain
• IHOP (Dine Brands, NYSE: DIN) – International House of Pancakes
• Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL) – Southern-themed restaurant and retail chain
• The Original Pancake House – Regional breakfast chain
• Another Broken Egg Cafe – Upscale brunch competitor
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Fast-growing breakfast concept
• Waffle House – Quick-service breakfast chain
• Bob Evans – Family-style restaurant chain

(Suggested: Denny’s CEO Email & Net Worth)

About First Watch Restaurant Group

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. is an American restaurant chain specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch, serving from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Founded in 1983 in Pacific Grove, California, First Watch now operates 633 restaurants across 32 states — 560 company-owned and 73 franchise-owned locations.

The company is known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, including fresh-squeezed juices made in-house daily and seasonally inspired chef-driven specials. First Watch trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol FWRG and is headquartered in Bradenton, Florida. The company went public in October 2021 under the leadership of CEO Chris Tomasso.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current CEO of First Watch?

The current CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group is Chris Tomasso, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2018. He previously held the roles of President (2015–2018) and Chief Marketing Officer (2006–2015) at the company.

What is Chris Tomasso’s net worth in 2026?

Chris Tomasso’s estimated net worth is approximately $13–16 million as of 2026, based primarily on his disclosed First Watch (FWRG) stock holdings of over 1 million shares plus restricted stock unit awards.

How much does Chris Tomasso earn?

Chris Tomasso earned $4.92 million in total compensation for fiscal year 2024, comprising an $892,416 base salary, $1.51 million annual bonus, $2.5 million in stock awards, and other compensation. Over 81% of his pay is performance-based.

What is Chris Tomasso’s email address?

Chris Tomasso’s corporate email address is [email protected] (first initial + last name format). Press and investor inquiries can be directed through firstwatch.com.

When did First Watch go public?

First Watch went public on the NASDAQ in October 2021 under the ticker symbol FWRG. CEO Chris Tomasso led the IPO process, which helped fund the company’s aggressive expansion strategy.

How many First Watch restaurants are there?

As of the end of fiscal year 2025, First Watch operates 633 restaurants across 32 states — 560 company-owned and 73 franchise-owned. The company plans to open 59–63 new restaurants in 2026 and sees long-term potential for over 2,200 U.S. locations.

Where is First Watch headquartered?

First Watch Restaurant Group is headquartered in Bradenton, Florida. The company moved into its new corporate headquarters building in Bradenton to support its growing workforce and expansion plans.

Article last updated: March 2026