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.

close

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.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  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:02/01/2023

  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 name is ************** out of ************, ** on November 8th of 2022, while enjoying a fresh salad at your Town and Country location I bit down on a s**** that was in the salad. Embarrassed, as well as a multitude of emotions. There were customers who witnessed this. As well as witnessing me being traumatized as I ran to the bathroom to vomit. I informed *********************** who was the manager on duty. He informed me that a case would be filed, also to comp the meal and offer 2 $20 gift cards. I never received a follow-up email or phone call. I visited the location again sometime in December to enjoy the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. ***** was there at the time, I informed him that I never received a follow up. He introduced me to *************************** and stated this is who he relayed the incident to. *************************** introduced himself and to my surprise informed me that the case was never filed. However, he did contact the company that provides the salad mix. I was disheartened! Yes, thank God I didnt bite down to hard nor choke or swallow the s**** and was only traumatized and vomited. However, I am beyond disappointed in the way the situation was handled, in all actuality not handled at all. After having a consultation with a law firm in ******** **, I was informed to contact the proper parties involved and ask for retribution for this incident. If needed I do have the witnesss name and contact Info. Will you please provide the correct information on what is the best way for me to go about this matter? P.S. I love the location in *********, **.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/08/2023

  First Watch's *************** team contacted this customer to learn more and assist. After connecting with the customer, these concerns were addressed with the restaurant internally. The customer was satisfied with the resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/24/2023

  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.

  1/20/2023 A was eating breakfast with family and a feel desrespect when a was going to the bathroom a see one of the person work there with long nails and long hair grabbed food and the hair i was in the food and a thik thats nasty becayuse you have to be carefell when u give food to customer a dont think that right to eat food like that is unsafe specially there. A call one the persons work there they told me she is the supervisor a realised if the supervisor do kind a ***** like that a imagine the rest people work there

  Business Response

  Date: 02/08/2023

  First Watch's operations team attempted to contact this customer multiple times via phone and email. All attempts have been unsuccessful to reach the customer. If the customer responds to either the email or voicemail, we will be ready to learn more to best assist. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2023

  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.

  Ordered TO-GO online for the *********, ** location on October 21, 2022. Walked into restaurant and picked up two bags of food. Several items of food were missing, discovered when returning home. Called restaurant and spoke to *******************, manager at First Watch. He agreed to refund for the missing items, total $19.25. Received a confirmation email from First Watch corporate confirming on 10/21/22, with a 1-3 days wait time, for processing of refund. Did not receive refund on credit card. Tried to call restaurant on 12/9/22. No answer. Emailed corporate on same date.Still have not received refund on credit card. Tried to call restaurant repeatedly on 1/13/22. No answer. Still no response from corporate. Can only fill out contact form online at their website on First Watch. No email addresses are provided that you can reply to. No phone number is available for corporate. Can't get the restaurant to answer. Emails below.This email confirms that we have processed a payment adjustment to your recent online order (#*****************) at *********. Adjustment Processed: PARTIAL REFUND -$19.25 Adjustment Explanation from the Restaurant: Unsatisfied customer: If you have any questions about this adjustment, call the restaurant directly at ************** for more information. Please allow 1-3 days for this payment adjustment to settle on your card and display on your statement.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/19/2023

  First Watch management received an email from the customer on December 9th, 2022. The online order for pickup was placed on October 21st, 2022. The refund was finalized on the same day for the customer. ********************** ************************ attempted to contact the customer two times via phone. Two voicemails were left for the customer, however have not heard back from the customer. We hope for the opportunity to learn more and will address further if the customer makes contact in return.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/06/2023

  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.

  I arrived to the First Watch located on ************* in *************** around 11 AM on 1/6/23. I was seated very quickly sith my 11 month old child outside by a server who I later learned was the manager. He provided excellent customer service and was very polite and helpful. That is the last contact after being seated that I had. I waited between ***** minutes as I sat and watched the server addressed other customers. During this time, the server made eye contact with me on several occasions but never approached my table. No other server was working outside. Another couple was seated, served drinks and their order taken. I had been seated for about 20 minutes at this point and had hadn't received water or even a coffee cup. It was embarrassing as other customers seated observed that I had not been helped. They even offered to make a complaint on my behalf. While talking ro other customers, the server was in an earshot and never acknowledged the issue. I made contact with the manager who seemed sincere however he then offered a $20 card. That is not a solution nor what I was looking for. No customer should arrive to a ******************** and receive such service. Nor should they leave feeling less than. The server also didn't seem to be having a bad day as she was very polite to the tables which she did serve so I can only conclude that the level of service I received(or did not receive) is because of me. I have been to multiple First Watch locations and always receive good customer service. Today was a reflection of not only the server but it makes First Watch look bad as a whole. Ultimately I left without being served as I did not feel comfortable and a hungry irritable child.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/09/2023

  First Watch received customer feedback. ********************** promptly followed up with our team. Our regional management team followed up with the customer and addressed their concerns. Customer is thankful for the team reaching out.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/09/2023

   
  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:11/28/2022

  Type:Billing 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.

  I visited First Watch in **********, ******* for breakfast on Wednesday, November 23rd with my husband and granddaughter. After we finished our meal, I approached the cash register station to pay for my meal and leave a tip. My credit card was swiped and my web app indicated it was approved and went through. The cashier claimed it did not and then the credit card machine blanked or froze. I showed him my app indicating the charge was made but he refused to accept it. He forced me to swipe my card several times while I protested that I didnt want to pay for the meal more than once. He promised he would cancel duplicate payments. I finally got a paper receipt ( which was less than the original amount because by that point I had decided to no longer leave a tip - I was ANGRY). After checking my account a couple of days later I saw that first watch charged me twice for the same meal - $64.56 (the one containing a tip) and $53.80 (no tip). I called the business twice, they hung up on me once and then said the manager was too busy to talk to me and just call back.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/05/2022

  First Watch leadership called and spoke with this customer on 12/5/22. During the conversation, we were able to discuss and address her concerns. In addition, our leadership team is addressing this internally. We are following up with the customer one more time after our investigation is complete.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/07/2022

   
  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:10/20/2022

  Type:Billing 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.

  On 25 September 2022 my family ordered breakfast from First Watch through Door Dash. We checked on the status of the order 30 minutes after placing it and learned that we would have to wait an additional hour to receive our food because of heavy business volume at First Watch. Upon receiving this status update we contacted both Door Dash and First Watch to cancel the order. There were no objections by either First Watch or Door Dash to the cancellation. Despite canceling the order our debit card was charged $103.50 by First Watch. My wife spoke to the General Manager at First Watch on 3 October and was informed that our checking account would be credited for the full amount in 2 - 3 days. The reimbursement was not issued during this timeframe so I contacted First Watch on 7 October and was informed by the Operations Manager that I spoke to that the issue would be resolved. Both managers were very courteous when we spoke to them however I believe enough time as passed that we should have received our reimbursement by now.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2022

  First Watch's leadership team connected with this customer regarding their experience and provided a refund. Their concerns were also addressed internally.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/26/2022

   
  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:09/14/2022

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  It is sad when a restaurant like first watch outbreaks in your city. My wife who 68 and her sister who 72 went to the one in champions force and Euston Texas yesterday shoot my wife ordered a soft on the egg choice and she got hard.I decided to give him a second chance today so I called the restaurant to ask him if I placed an order online if I could get extra crispy bacon. Extra crispy mandatory for me. I'm a 70 year old disabled war vet end the employees at this restaurant treated me like garbage. I asked you have five place to order online they said well you have to use that that's a lie from h*** because I use my laptop and dragon so I can post with no trouble. But this young lady said no you have to use the app or you can order from us online. And she then replied I don't own this place I just work here. I asked for the manager half an hour later I hung up I called corporate calling corporate was a bigger mistake than calling the store I was just trying to help him out with some problems they needed to fix badly. This restaurant won't last. They are so disappointed I am so disappointed with them and the way I was treated ***** think I served my country I lost my legs and my hands are getting ready to go and this is the way we're treated for defending them no no one should ever lose anything defending idiots like this. This young lady who answered the phone at the first watch and champions forest really needs to be retrained and I got the impression she can't be any more than 15 years old.First watch does an excellent job first watch delsin excellent job of protecting their store managers from customers and their corporate account protecting whoever would handle this instead of BBB from customers. Apparently firstwatch does not want to deal with people I have no idea why it's in a people business when it didn't wanna deal with people. But I promise you this if I've had this others have you're losing customers after a while your business will be going down

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/12/2022

  Type:Customer Service 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 ordered through Door Dash. The driver arrived and states that the only thing on the order was 1 drink. We in fact ordered french toast, pancakes, eggs and bacon, plus 1 morning meditation drink. I called the location 5 times to try to resolve the issue. The first 3 calls, the employee proceeded to hang up on me before finally trying to resolve my issue. I order from door dash every day, from a multitude of different restaurants, and only seem to have this issue when ordering from the specific location. This is the 3rd time this has happened, and something needs to be done to 1. Resolve their technical issues with door dash and 2. Have better communication and not be hung up on every time I call. We were in communication the the dasher, who was telling us that First watch does not want to resolve the issue and complete our full order. The door dasher had to cancel the order. Now my pregnant wife is left without a meal. This is not the first time that this instance has occurred with this restaurant. It's is every time we order with them.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/19/2022

  First Watch's leadership team attempted to contact this customer with the information provided multiple times. Unfortunately, they were unable to connect with the customer. This customers concerns were addressed internally. If the customer reaches back out, our team will assist them.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/24/2022

  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.

  I did a mobile for breakfast before work on August 24th. I ordered the Trifecta w/ the multigrain pancake, also a side of ***************** My sides were great, but the Trifecta was lackluster at best. This is not my first time having this but it is my first time experiencing it like this. The bacon & scrambled eggs looked like it was a kids breakfast & the multigrain pancake was cold dry & crumbly. Definitely a disappointment to say the least.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/19/2022

  First Watch's leadership team connected with this customer regarding their experience. Their concerns were addressed internally. The leadership team provided the customer with a gift certificate for their next experience.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/19/2022

   
  Complaint: 17895752
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Yes someone reached out to me, I explained what happened he expressed his sincere apologies. Said that he would look in to the situation & that he would be sending something out that i should get within that week. But I have yet to receive ANYTHING that he said he was mailing to me. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business Response

  Date: 09/21/2022

  The leadership team contacted this customer letting them know new certificates are being sent with a tracking number. We want to do what we can to ensure the customer is taken care of.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/08/2022

  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.

  Complaint Against First Watch Restaurant Vero Beach, Fl
  
  First as a regular customer since this restaurant has opened my wife and family enjoyed the food and service two or three time a week. Many times I would go sit at the counter bar alone have coffee and breakfast.
  Here is the problem ...about a month ago I went to the counter bar had this server before she was polite and friendly. She asked me do I know what I want? I said coffee she set the coffee on counter and left. About five minutes latter I was ready to order didn't drink my coffee wanted to have it with my biscuits and gravy I continued to wait for her I looked around and saw her in the back room very busy in the freezer now twenty three minutes later no one stopped to ask me if I needed anything...finally that's it, I left didn't drink the coffee. Returned July 8th, 2022 at 1:20 sat at the counter the hostess was friendly with the menu, than a guy came to me and said I must leave the restaurant. I thought what is he joking...but he explained that I left the restaurant without paying my bill and I was accused of grabbing a waitress by the throat ! Therefore I need to leave restaurant. He was polite and doing his job to protect his employees, understood. I explained exactly what happened, but his information is not true, yes I left without paying for the coffee but I never touched anyone that was appalling. All I wanted biscuits and gravy with my coffee. After twenty three minutes I had a right to leave. After I calmed down I telephoned my attorney regards to this false accusation he encouraged me to reach out to the corporate office first and inform them of this serious matter before filing a law suite and having depositions taken.
  I telephoned XXX XXX XXXX left a message. Received a message from Cindy Page to telephone her, but it was Saturday.
  Your prompt attention is required.
  Thank You,
  *** ************
  **********@gmail.com
  XXX XXX XXXX
  Update: No Reply As Of August 8, 2022 From
  Cindy Page

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/08/12) */
  This customer called and left two voicemails on July 8th, 2022, at 1:35 pm. The Customer Care department forwarded the voicemails to the leadership team on July 8th at 2:28 pm. Cindy Pape contacted this customer on July 11th. The customer was not satisfied with the response and reached back out on August 9th. Cindy Pape spoke with this customer again on August 9th. The customer was not satisfied and stated they would contact their attorney at that time.
  
  
  Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/08/18) */
  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  Received a telephone call from Page....she admitted there had been many "steps" that was not right...she asked me "what do want from us" I asked her did First Watch know the person who made that claim that I grabbed a waitress by the throat she refused to answer and informed me someone else would be calling me since I contacted a lawyer and he has the letter I sent to you regards to how I was treated and accused and asked to leave the restaurant..again I asked her what is First Watch going to do about this false claim ? She than hung up the telephone....no no calls from anyone in the last two weeks