Chris Tomasso
Chain, Full Service Category
A seasoned executive leader with a track record of success, Chris has more than 25 years of experience guiding some of the most well-known brands in the restaurant and entertainment industries.
In June of 2018, Chris was named Chief Executive Officer of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. after serving as President since December of 2015 and Chief Marketing Officer from 2006 to 2015. Prior to joining First Watch, Chris led strategic branding and marketing for renowned national and international brands such as Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Café International. He was honored on Nation's Restaurant News' Power List in 2017 and recognized as one of the most admired C-Suite executives by FSR Magazine in 2021.
In Chris’s Own Words
How did you get your start in the foodservice industry?
My first job was as a dishwasher in my uncle’s Italian restaurant when I was 14. I eventually became a prep cook and then moved up to running the pizza oven in the dining room. I also worked as a dishwasher at a high-volume Amish buffet restaurant and then as a meat carver at the end of a buffet line at another restaurant in town. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, these experiences set the foundation for a lifelong career and were formative in shaping my “and then some” philosophy: to go beyond what’s expected.
Later in life after earning my degree in Public Relations and Advertising, I drew from those experiences as I grew my professional career in restaurant and entertainment marketing– mostly notably at Hard Rock Café International and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, before joining First Watch in 2006 when the brand had just 58 restaurants.
What do you enjoy most about your career in foodservice?
I love serving people – and while there are so many different aspects to my role, people always have been and always will be at the root of it. Whether it’s our customers or our employees, they are our “why.”
Tell us about a proud moment you’ve had along the way.
It has to be taking First Watch public on the NASDAQ on October 1, 2021. It was a symbolic “coming out” for the brand and in some ways validated the hard work of so many and our many years of success. It was something that our co-founder Ken Pendery always talked about, and I’m proud that we were able to realize that dream of his. Ringing the bell at NASDAQ, representing our thousands of employees nationwide, and standing alongside so many colleagues and friends is hard to top.
How would your team describe you as a leader?
I try to lead by example, and if I’ve been successful, those who surround me are the best reflection: Curious, deliberate, calm, approachable, humble. Our team keeps it simple so that we can stay focused on what matters: our people and well-executed, on-trend food served in a comfortable environment. My most respected leaders were ones who challenged me often and while I may not have realized or appreciated it at the time, they are the ones that made me better. They expected a lot of me, and I wanted to deliver. I hope that I can have that kind of impact on those that I have the privilege to lead.
What advice do you have for someone new to the foodservice industry?
Go beyond what’s expected. Even with what you might consider the smallest task, you have the opportunity to surpass the ordinary, and leave a lasting impression. I call it “and then some.” Do what is expected of you … and then some. Those that are constantly curious and want to challenge themselves can stand out.
What does being an IFMA Silver Plate recipient mean to you?
Although I am the one receiving this award, it is truly a reflection of our company culture and our people. I know that may sound cliché’ but this recognition is only made possible by and is dedicated to all of our servers, cooks, bussers, dishwashers, managers and Home Office teams who serve with intention and kindness. Additionally, I truly believe that we have the best senior leadership team in the industry. It’s because of these dedicated team members and how they’ve championed our “You First” culture that our brand has been able to offer unparalleled hospitality and connection within our restaurants. This award is as much for them as it is because of them, and I couldn’t be prouder to represent them.
What is your favorite meal?
If we’re dining at First Watch, I’m ordering The Traditional – eggs, sausage, potatoes and toast. It also happens to be our #1 seller. For dinner, I like a great steak.
Chris Tomasso was nominated by Ecolab, Rich Products Corporation, and Royal Cup Coffee & Tea