Kenneth L Pendery, Jr. has served as a director since August 2017 and as Chairman Emeritus of our Board since December 2019. Mr. Pendery has been a key leader of First Watch Restaurants, Inc. for over 30 years. He has been instrumental in evolving the brand from a simple concept into a successful, multimillion dollar enterprise. Today, in his role as Chairman Emeritus, Ken ensures that the company’s principles are upheld daily. He serves as a liaison between First Watch’s management team, board of directors and private equity partner. He is a restaurant-industry veteran with extensive executive experience, including the creation of several restaurant concepts throughout his career. Ken majored in Finance at Indiana University and is an operator at heart.
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.
Chris earned a B.A. from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and is an active alumnus who currently serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation Board of Directors. He was inducted into the university's Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame in 2016.