We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
Business Profile

Restaurants

First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Restaurants.

Complaints

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

Find a Location

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

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Please enter a valid location.

    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 31 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 13 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    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.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/13/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 was charged sales tax on a tax-free day (8-8-24 at 12:52 pm). I called to inquire and was told to call back after 2:30. I did call about 3:00 only to find out that they close at 2:30! I called again the next day and the MANAGER told me that tax free was not eligible on Aug 8 (even though other businesses were NOT charging sales tax on that day). When I suggested that oeople were being ripoed off, he agreed! He then told me corporate handles that. When I got on First Watchs website, somehow it led me to a website JUST ANSWER, which immediately charged my credit card $46.00, causing me to have to cancel my credit card. All of this angst over $8.57 but now it is the principle. How many people got ripped off??!!

      Business Response

      Date: 08/29/2024

      First Watch's customer care team called this customer to assist. The customer shared their experience and steps they took with their bank for assistance. First Watch will be further recovering this customer and following up with the management team.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 09/03/2024

       I was contacted by First Watch a few days ago.  Their representative was very apologetic.  She plans to send me a gift card.  Though I have not received it yet, I am confident she will follow through.  

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/07/2024

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      Our gift cards worth a couple hundred dollars did not work last week at the *************************************. On their suggestion we contacted customer service more than three days ago, and haven't received a response. **************** ticket number #****** is the latest and #****** was the ticket. number from August 1.

      Business Response

      Date: 08/26/2024

      Thank you for following up on this. I've confirmed that this situation was handled on August 7. Please see attached communications.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 08/30/2024

       
      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:04/30/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      04/30/2024 $24.22 YES I always order from First Watch I order the Tri-Fecta with an extra slice of French Toast and morning meditation fresh juice. I pick my food up and immediately I notice my extra slice of french toast was not in my bag. i go back in the store for ****** to say we charge extra for door ****. i explain to him i did not door ****. he goes on to say well the instruction is kind of confusing, I explain to him it's printed on the receipt on the bag. we would have to charge you for extra slice. why you would charge for it i ask for it. i ask for my money back per *****, we cannot give you a refund. all i wanted was my food i have been at the hospital all **** night. i had to clock in at work at 6:30 . now i have to deal with some rude employees. THIS IS RIDICULOUS how you treat a paying customer that frequently visit this establishment. Neither one of them tried to come up a solution. i think this unacceptable that i have to write you guys in order to get a $20. refund. i will NEVER visit this establishment. TRANSACTION ID -**********,

      Business Response

      Date: 05/06/2024

      The customer has been contacted and refunded. The customers concerns have been addressed internally by our leadership team.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/06/2024

       
      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:04/24/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 4/16 @ 10:07 I ordered breakfast to be delivered to me Never had the place but had some work to do, so wanted to try it. At 10:44, I received notification that my food was ready to be picked up. Then that order was canceled for some reason, they restarted it, and then at 11:30 they canceled it again. I called the restaurant the next day about the refund, they directed me to DoorDash. Spoke with ******** support who told me that my order was picked up by someone else and then the restaurant just outright canceled the order. I'm just trying to get a refund. I never even got to TRY the food, much less see it. I've waited 7 days now hoping for something. The restaurant offers no help (which I would get. They're probably always busy).

      Business Response

      Date: 05/06/2024

      The customer has been contacted and refunded. Our leadership team is also addressing these concerns internally.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/06/2024

       
      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:04/22/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 ordered drinks at this location of first watch in **********, ** and upon drinking more than half of my drink I noticed a moth in my cup.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/06/2024

      First Watch's leadership team contacted the customer to assist. Necessary communication was made with the restaurant management team. The customer was satisfied and will return.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/07/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 Saturday, February 3, I went to First Watch store #*** with two friends for brunch. We enjoyed our meal and then went to pay at the register. The bill very conveniently split out what we owed per person accurately and we each paid at the register and hit the tip percentage for our separate bills. On Sunday, my credit card alert came through for an amount almost double what my bill was at First Watch. I called my friend to confirm the cost of my meal which I recalled was approximately $16. Upon further review of the bill, we noted that EACH of us were charged $15.01 as a tip on our meals, which equated to $45 worth of tip on a $$78 food and drink bill which would be a 60% tip!!! This did not show up on our original receipt and we would have missed this if I hadn't gotten the alert from my CC company. I went into the First Watch on Monday to get the bill voided and was told the issue can't be resolved in the restaurant and would require that I call the corporate office to reimburse us. This is fraud of epic proportions and it is incredibly surprising that this occurs unchecked.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/13/2024

      Attempted to contact this customer via phone and left a voicemail. In addition, I emailed them informing them I was able to process and complete their request. In addition, I emailed the copy of the refund receipts to them. I have not heard back from the customer. Everything needed on our end to finalize their request is complete.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/06/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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.
      02/04/2024 46.48$I ordered my food online and when I got it I was missing, one of my whole order of traditional plate and two kale tonic drinks and the side of turkey sausage for the traditional plate they gave me I had two orders one traditional and the other trifecta and I waited so long like almost an hour and the food was cold and im just beyond disappointed that when I got home I didnt have my food completely for my family after all that

      Business Response

      Date: 02/13/2024

      Received first email on 2/04. Responded to the email on 2/06 attempting to gather additional information to assist with the request. This customer followed up today stating they have not heard from anyone. I attempted to contact via phone leaving a voicemail. In addition, I also emailed this customer requesting the additional information needed to complete their request. I have not heard back from the customer. As soon as I do, I will be able to complete their request.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/03/2023

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 Monday 09/18/2023 around ****am. I ordered the million-dollar bacon and avocado toast no toasted and the avocado spread on the side. After arriving at work with my order and ready to toast my bread, I had the avocado toast breakfast minus avocado along with 2 fried egg and fruit garnish. I called the restaurant and talked to the manager ****, he seemed to know the error on my order and looked it up on the computer and refunded me the difference on my card and it would be a few days. September the 22nd I checked by bank account, and nothing was there. I called him on Monday September 25th and informed **** the manager I had not received my refund, he told me their system is slow and he put it through again and to this day October 2nd I still have not received my refund on the adjustment which should be around $12.00 because the bacon was fine.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/11/2023

      I called the customer to speak with her directly. The customer confirmed the refund was received. In addition, I am sending the customer a gift certificate to take care of their next dining experience. The customer was satisfied and will return.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/05/2023

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      The said establishment including the manager of ************ First Watch provided rude service including the waiter who was rude and interrupted me -------------while I was taking an important call Located in: *************************** Address: *********************************************************** Hours: Closed Opens 7?AM Mon Menu: storage.googleapis.com Phone: **************

      Business Response

      Date: 06/06/2023

      On Monday, June 5th, our leadership team member emailed this customer to apologize and learn more about the experience. In addition, our leadership team member coached the restaurant staff on better etiquette. We are confident this customer was satisfied with our attempts and will return.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/06/2023

       
      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:03/24/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 October 20, 2022 I ordered from first watch in ************** **************. The order did not contain the protein for the salads. Also, the remaining orders seemed very skimpy. I contacted headquarters ticket number *****. It was sent a response that I would be contacted within three days. On October 22, 2022. I was refunded the $59.80 that we had spent on our order number *****************. I received an email from ***************************** the district manager stating he was sorry and that the money was refunded and he would be sending us a gift card. On October 25, 2022. I sent a thank you to ******************** and asked if the card would be mailed or sent via email. we finally received the $50 * gift card on November 8, 2022 on March 15, 2023. We attempted to use this * gift card in ******** ******** and the card was declined the manager in ******** tried it several times and it was declined each time we spent $46 on this meal assuming that we would be able to use our $50 gift card. I am mediately called ********************, he answered and asked for me to send an email with the details and the * gift card number. I sent this to ******************** on March 15, 2023 I followed up with an email on March 21, 2023 asking him if he had received my original email. I have still not heard from ***************************** or first watch. My husband and I would never have gone back to first watch had it not been for the gift card which we assumed would work, and was sent to us in good faith by ********************. We feel first watch has horrible customer service, terrible, follow up, and is deceitful in sending out gift cards with zero balances. I was going to call corporate with this issue, but could not find a phone number for customer service.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2023

      The ************************ contacted the customer through the phone. The gift card has been investigated and the customer has been fully assisted. The additional feedback provider has been shared with our leadership team to address internally.

    First Watch Restaurants, Inc. is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

    To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

    Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.