[13] The first location was opened in Pacific Grove, California in 1983 by Ken Pendery and John Sullivan.

In 2012, First Watch ranked as the best breakfast chain in a survey of 150,000 Consumer Reports readers earning top ratings in taste, service, value, and menu choices.

[15] In 2017, private equity firm Advent International bought a majority stake in First Watch.

First Watch and the Egg & I restaurants serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch and offer a wide variety of items.

[20] First Watch has faced criticism for their weak animal welfare standards, particularly on what they allow in their pork supply chain.