First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso Receives IFMA’s Gold Plate Award
Tomasso recognized for industry excellence by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
BRADENTON, Fla. – May 20, 2024 – First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”) President and CEO Chris Tomasso has been awarded the Gold Plate Award by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Nominated by Rich Products Corporation, Ecolab, and Royal Cup Coffee & Tea, Tomasso represented the Chain Full Service category at the 70th Annual IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration in Chicago on Saturday, May 18.
“I ended up in the restaurant industry, and it got in my blood,” said Tomasso. “I love what I do every day, and I consider myself to be so lucky to lead this great company. Every day, our talented teams show up to do the right thing, put our customers first and ‘Just Be Kind’ across our network of neighborhood restaurants – and we’re continuously in awe of their commitment to hospitality. This one goes out to them.”
Highly regarded in the foodservice industry, IFMA’s Silver Plate Award is selected by a jury of industry experts and celebrates nominees representing nine foodservice categories. Out of nine Silver Plate awardees, one is chosen by secret ballot to receive the Gold Plate Award for overall industry excellence.
For more on the IFMA Gold and Silver Plate Awards, visit www.ifmaworld.com.
About First Watch
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 restaurants in 29 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.
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