Complaints

This profile includes complaints for First Watch Restaurants, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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First Watch Restaurants, Inc. has 326 locations, listed below.

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  First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

  8725 Pendery Pl STE 201 Bradenton, FL 34201-2140

• 

  First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

  3706 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6038

• 

  First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

  2539 Countryside Blvd Clearwater, FL 33761-3503

• 

  First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

  13200 Seminole Blvd STE 201 Largo, FL 33778-2132

• 

  First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

  13013 US Highway 301 S # C Riverview, FL 33578-7439

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/19/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  6-19-2025 I received a buy one get t one free E-Mail from First Watch for my birthday, but when it printed out there was no barcode. Thinking it was probably no longer necessary I took it to the First Watch in my area. They refused to honor it because it did not have a ********** was not my fault the barcode did not print out and I do not feel I should be penalized.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/20/2025

  Thank you for reaching out to First Watch Customer Support. We're truly sorry to hear about your recent experience and it's clear we missed the mark during your visit. A member of our customer support team has reached out to you today 06/20/2025 with the email address you supplied with a resolution. If we do not hear a response by Monday 06/23/2025 we will follow-up with you again. Once you provide requested information we will bring your feedback to the attention of the local leadership team. Please accept our sincerest apologies. It is our hopes that you will decide to give us another chance. Thank you again for reaching out and we truly appreciate your feedback! 

  We look forward to your response. 

  First Watch

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On February 20th while having a lunch meeting with 5 people in my civic group, I bit down on multiple chunks of hard material in my food. When I spit out the bite on plate, the pieces looked like porcelain dish chunks. Upon closer inspection I found more pieces in the uneaten food. The waitress was summoned, and she promptly whisk the plate away and reported it to the manager ******** *******. ******** came over with a tablet device and filed a lengthy report as two teeth hurt badly and i could feel a rough spot one had been chipped. He acknowledged that there was an issue with my meal. I scheduled an appt to visit my dentist at his first availability in 6 days, where he documented that I had cracked a crown, which also had a rough corner due to a missing chip.On 3/3/25 I was contacted by ****** at First Watch Headquarters in ** confirming that they had a claim on file. She indicated I would hear from their insurance carrier within 2 days which never happened. I spoke ****** again on the 3/7, and 3/14. Finally on 3/26 I was contacted by **** ***** with **************** who requested documentation. Replacement of the crown was done on 4/3 and I had to pay in full as Corvel said they couldn't give me a claim number to give to the dentist. The dentist's documentation, photos, clinical notes and itemized bill was provided to **** ***** with Corvel on 4/8. Follow up requests for status on my case (Claim 1878-GL-25-0300018-001: *.******) were sent to **** ***** on 4/22, 4/30, 5/14, and 5/19. On 5/20 **** ***** finally responded with the exact same pre-scripted email I received in late march (and that triggered all documentation being sent on 4/8). This entire thing makes me feel like they have zero intent on paying for the treatment for the injury I incurred and the funds I'm out for dental repairs. There were 5 other people at the meeting who witnessed what happened and would be happy to provide backup to the original event.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2025

  We wish to formally inform you regarding an incident involving our customer, ****** ******* that was reported and subsequently addressed by our teams. 
    
  On February 20th, Ms. ****** experienced an issue at our The Bridges restaurant. Customer Support received her email on March 14th expressing concerns about her experience. Prior to this, our *************** team had contacted Ms. ****** on March 3rd following on an initial report filed about the incident. 
    
  Throughout March, our Customer Support team maintained communication with the *************** department. During this period, our *************** team also followed up with Ms. ****** to gather all pertinent information to facilitate a thorough investigation and ensure a successful claim processing. 
    
  On May 21st, we received a formal complaint from Ms. ****** through the BBB. In response, our Customer Support team followed up again with **************** who reached out to Ms. ****** for further clarification. It was identified that some of the documents sent by Ms. ****** did not reach the claim adjuster as intended. 
    
  We are pleased to inform you that the matter has now been fully resolved. The claim has been settled with Ms. ******* and the case has been closed. All necessary steps have been completed to ensure her concerns were addressed adequately. 
    
  Please feel free to contact us if further information is required. 
    
  Thank you for your attention to this matter and we sincerely apologize for the time it took to get to the resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Went to First Watch Notth ********************* with friends. Two of us agreed to split the bill. While paying I selected 20% for tip and my friend did the same. The restaurant charged each of us 20% of the total bill. Not 20% of half the bill. So instead of a $20.00 tip the tip added up to $40.00. I have seen similar complaints on line about this company. They made a big deal about refunding the excess tips and finally only refunded one of us. How Many other customer victims has ********************** done this to? The service was ok but not worth 40% of the bill. This is obscene.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  Customer Support received ******************** complaint #******** on Monday, April 21st, 2025. As of today 4/24/2025, we have not been able to make a contact with the customer. We have tried multiple times without success. 
  4/21: Customer Support contacted the customer and left a voicemail. 
  4/22: Customer Support called the customer, and the customer answered and hung up. Customer Support called back right after and received the voicemail. Customer Support left another voicemail. Customer Support followed up with an email. 
  4/23: Customer Support followed up to the email sent the previous day. Customer Support called the customer and left another voicemail. 
    
  Customer Support is following up with the ***** ******************* team to address internally. 
  We apologize for the customer experience and would love the opportunity to speak with the customer. Customer Support can be reached at ************ or via email at ************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/28/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/21/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My daughter sent a First Watch e-gift card Jan ******************************************* ******* NC around Sept 2024 we were not able to use the card, they showed it was not working on their screen but didnt know what to do except that I could contact customer service which I did . The website my daughter bought it from shows it has only been sent and viewed but not used . But First Watch gift card balance information websites constantly have not been able to show anything about the balance, just various reasons why it cant be accessed at the time , for example that it has been too many times to try again tomorrow , or there is an error . I checked back with customer service and got the run around that they forwarded it to guest relations and it takes time blah blah blah . They still have not resolved it or sent any further response since then. It is only $25 but I refuse to eat there again until they make this right . Emails and screenshots are attached of the conversation with customer service, the card itself, the screenshot of the website tracking with the buyers email and her confirmation code, and the screenshot of First Watchs balance information site.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/21/2025

  First Watch Customer Support team investigated the gift card with the provided information. They additionally, contacted the customer by phone, left a voicemail, and then by email. A replacement gift card is being mailed out to the address on file in this complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/04/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 8/10/24 My son, **** ******** ********************** ****************** Colonel ******* Ct , **********************), bought a $100.00 e-gift card from well-known First Watch Restaurant (Confirmation #9DU55E85Y7HW) for my birthday. I first time used the e-gift card on Saturday 12/28/24 at First Watch restaurant at ********* location, and this restaurant is listed on their web locations. The restaurant manager told me that it had zero balance, so I paid the bill by my credit card. I called their **************** ***************) twice holding for more than 30 minutes totally, not helpful. My son contacted First Watch online by tracking. We have. not received the re-issue of e-gift card. After searching, a similar complaint of denied $50.00 First Watch gift card (********************************************************************************************************) was submitted on 9/16/24 to BBB by a customer. The ******************** solved the problem on 9/17/24, gift card reissued. Please assist in this $100.00 e-gift card replacement, greatly appreciated in advance. This type of fraud should not happen. Happy new year!

  Business Response

  Date: 03/04/2025

  This customer reached out to ********************** via our contact us form on the website on January 23rd, 2025. One of our customer support representatives contacted and assisted this customer on January 24th, 2025. After investigating the gift card, our representative sent a replacement gift card in the mail to the mailing address provided from the customer on January 27th, 2025.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/23/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On ***** @12 I went to F.W we were promptly sat,we had a party of six.4 adults and 2children I ord an Omelet with turkey sausage and wheat toast. Once my food arrived everything was as ordered. 1/2 way throu my meal I bit down on my sausage and suddenly felt excruciating pain in my r molar and it felt as though I had bitten down on s/t hard like rock or bone. I immediately spit out my food and to find the item Iand went to the r/r to seen if I what had bitten into We called over the ** M Ms. ***** and told her the situation. She saw I was in pain and knew s/t was array. She immedwent back into the kitch after we explained the situation to investigate the food and dished used for our meat She compt our meal and had our family fill out an incident reportMy teeth were in perfect condition before this happ went to the dentist for a visit on 12/13 had X-r and my teeth were in perfect health. I have never had an iss until that morning at Fi/W When I returned home to CaI immediately made a dentist appoint to see what had happ from eating the sausage. 12 -30 the dentist took X-r again and stated my my gum swelling was too bad to see what was wrong with my affected toothThey gaveme antibiotics and r/s for another app to get more X-r and see how my tooth was doing after the swelling had gone down. Still in pain and on antibiotics I started to process of being contacted by F/Wand there ins com on 1-15th I went to the dentist again for more X-rays,my dent stated my tooth was cracked down to the root On 1-22 I went back into the dentist for a second opin and they also stated it wasnt able to be saved so I had to get it extracted. This all happened becauseF/W They stated that I had no witnesses so there is no proof of this happening but I had the ** and the people in my party who all witnesses this event If we didnt go to F/ W this wouldnt have and I would still have my tooth. I have proof of X-r from my denti of my good dent hth and proof of 6 pp who immediately saw.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/27/2025

  First Watch contacted this customer when the customers experience occurred in the ********************. ********************** asked the customer specific questions pertaining to the alleged incident to understand their concern. After addressing their concern, the customer was dissatisfied with the assistance we could provide and unable to provide further detail for us to best assist.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/28/2025

  Im replying to this complaint because Im dissatisfied with First Watch they never tried to assist me in this matter. They already had there a position on this situation before seeking proof of the matter. In the beginning all they offered was a gift card and I told them I dont live in an area where their restaurant is available. I thought the gift card offer was distasteful. She then forward to their insurance after I asked her, talked to the insurance two time regarding this matter. The first time they were asking for my medical records which I was ready to give, but never had a chance to because the day before my appointment she call me to tell that they were not going to pay for this. I now have to get a replacement tooth and had to get my tooth pulled. They said that I did to my self. Why would she do a report on the matter? The restaurant comped our meal. The manager saw the pain I was in and she felt bad about the matter.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/28/2025

  First Watch sent this claim to the 3rd party claims handling. Upon their investigation, this claim was denied due to no evidence of a foreign object in the food. While we do not disagree that she injured her tooth, we have no proof that there was anything faulty with the meal.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/03/2025

  Regarding their answer if the item was swallow how would I have any evidence. The restaurant was responsible when I placed the order for my food. I have no reason to lie in this matter at my age I know what to put in my mouth to eat. If the item would have not been in my food we would not be having this matter going on today. Why would the manger take all the sausage and put them in the trash? If it was not an issue. When we talked you informed me that your insurance does not cover this kind of injury. I ask did you have cameras you inform me that no because we trust our employees and customers. I dont think so I live by the word everyday I get up.The lord I trust knows what happened. You would send it to someone in ************** to review and pay them than to trust the people that was there when the incident happen. If I would have know doing all my pain to stop and take pictures I would have. You split your teeth in half at the root and see what your action is. I may have split in the toilet .or in the napkin that I didnt take with me. But I really think I swallow it after the pain reaction. That like having an accident and you are in pain do you stop and think to take pictures. No.. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/16/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We arrived and the waiting area was backed up, but there were plenty of empty tables. Then, we noticed that only black people were being seated.A family of black people who arrived and checked in about 30 minutes AFTER us were told a 5 minute wait. So we asked about our wait and got told it would be another hour, after already waiting for exactly an hour. When questioned about that, we were told that they don't seat anyone when the kitchen is backed up. After trying to understand that, they seated us. When we looked around, all the tables had their food. For a "backed up" kitchen we received our food within 10 minutes.After we received our food, they were very pushy in ******* us out. They even tried to take my wife's plate while she was eating.We reached out to corporate and waited 15 days, with no response.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/18/2024

  The information this customer provided was sent to the leadership team of the Hinesville restaurant. The team addressed all concerns internally and refunded the customer. The refund confirmation was also provided to the customer.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/12/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I placed an online order for 2 Tri-Fecta's however when I received my ordered and returned home the food wasn't editable. The waffle were cooked to a crisp the chicken sausages were undercooked and the eggs were soggy. I immediately reached out to ************** location but to no avail subsequently I filled a compliant via *********************************** twice on October 19th and October 25th (ticket number ******) and as of November 9th, 2024 I have yet to receive a resolution, call or email. I've never had a problem with this location in the past however this particular order was deplorable and the non communication is even more deplorable :(

  Business Response

  Date: 12/05/2024

  The general manager from the ************** First Watch contacted this customer. The refund was complete and the manager invited the customer to return. The customer's concerns were also addressed internally in the restaurant. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/16/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My daughter bought and gave me a $50 gift card for Mothers Day. However when I went to use it the manager said he could see there was $50 on it but system wouldnt allow him to use it. He told me I had to check it online and come back later date to use it. I have called several times and people have taken the email order number and confirmation code and said they needed to talk to supervisor etc but have never received a call back. My daughter has checked her emails etc and says it was viewed but never used Thank you for any assistance you can give me

  Business Response

  Date: 09/17/2024

  First Watch ************************ was able to investigate the gift card. Our findings were that the card had an activation error. ************* issued a replacement to the customer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/17/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/26/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My partner and went to have breakfast at First Watch this morning of Saturday, August 24. We opted to split the bill and each of us would have a total of around ***** before tip. Their payment system had the tip amounts laid out to where you could select 20% 10% and select other amounts. Being that I always tip 20% I automatically clicked it assuming it would be the correct amount. The tip was around $6.68 which is not 20%. 20% would be closer to $3.70. The same thing happened to my partner. We didnt realize until we were almost home that it calculated and had us pay more than the actual amount. While this isnt a wallet breaker I fear they are doing this to every customer.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2024

  First Watch's customer care attempted to contact this customer via phone and email. There was a voicemail left for this customer. There has not been communication back from the customer to assist them.