First Watch Restaurant Group reported second-quarter revenue of $354.7 million, beating analyst estimates of $351.4 million and marking 15.2% year-on-year growth. The breakfast restaurant chain's GAAP earnings per share came in at $0.04, slightly below the $0.05 consensus estimate. The company now operates 665 locations, up from 600 in the same quarter last year. Same-store sales rose 3.4% year on year. First Watch's full-year EBITDA guidance of $134.5 million at the midpoint fell short of analyst expectations of $136.6 million. Analysts project revenue will grow 11.1% over the next 12 months, representing a deceleration from the company's seven-year compound annual growth rate of 18.2%. The company's market capitalisation stands at $770.6 million.

Fresh Kitchen adds development and operations execs to accelerate growth. Chief Development Officer Matt Livingston previously led real estate and market development at First Watch. Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News July 17, 2026 Fresh Kitchen has added two executives to support its ambitious growth plans Florida-based, fast-casual bowl concept Fresh Kitchen has hired two executives to help facilitate its ambitious expansion goals. Bill Knopf has been named senior vice president, head of operations, Matt Livingston has been named chief development officer as the 21-unit brand targets over 100 locations. Knopf joins Fresh Kitchen following senior operations roles at Honeygrow and Noodles & Company. Livingston joins after more than a decade leading real estate, asset management, and market development at First Watch Restaurants. "Bill and Matt have helped grow some of the most respected brands in the restaurant industry, but what matters most is that they embody the FK culture," CEO Tyler Azzarelli said in a statement. "They understand that growth starts with great people and remarkable restaurant execution. Bill will raise the bar on operations and leadership, while Matt will build the development pipeline for what comes next." Knopf will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, including food execution, systems and routines, and experience. In addition to his experience as vice president of operations at Honeygrow and vice president of operations services at Noodles, he also worked at Chipotle and Potbelly. "I was drawn to Fresh Kitchen's values, but the food sealed it for me," Knopf said in a statement. "I knew right away this was a special brand, a great team and an opportunity I wanted to be part of." Livingston brings more than a decade of real estate leadership experience from First Watch Restaurants, where he most recently served as vice president of real estate and asset management. During his time there, the chain grew from 250 locations to over 650. In his new role, Livingston will lead Fresh Kitchen's real estate strategy, site selection and lease negotiations, building the restaurant pipeline that will support the brand's path to 100 locations and beyond. "I have long admired Fresh Kitchen and Cali's incredible brand energy, commitment to clean eating, and strong community presence," Livingston said in a statement. "I am thrilled to join this talented team and lead our development strategy. I look forward to accelerating our expansion into new communities, managing our valuable real estate assets, and ensuring we provide an exceptional experience for both our team members and our guests." Fresh Kitchen serves bowls with grilled meats and roasted veggies. The menu is entirely gluten-free and features hormone- and antibiotic-free proteins, as well as food prepared without seed oils. As Fresh Kitchen enters its 12th year, the brand's next phase of growth is centered on expanding across Florida. It is part of Ciccio Restaurant Group, founded more than 25 years ago in New York City by James Lanza. Today, CRG owns and operates eight concepts under the Water + Flour, Cali, Fresh Kitchen, Green Lemon, Jay & Luigi, Taco Dirty, The Meeting House and CAMP brand names. Its portfolio spans 31 locations and includes full-service and quick-service restaurant concepts, as well as a boutique fitness studio. Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com, and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes. Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America, and Franchise Asia Magazine. Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son. Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters Content Spotlight

Brunch place First Watch is first restaurant to open in Crystal Lake's biggest development. Cava, BBQ King Smokehouse also on the way. June 25, 2026 at 4:20 pm CDT The first restaurant at Crystal Lake's largest development, Water's Edge, is now open, with more businesses due to follow this summer. Brunch chain restaurant First Watch officially opened Monday at 5689 Northwest Highway. The 3,900-square-foot space seats more than 150 people and features a covered outdoor patio, according to a First Watch news release. Described as a "modern take on breakfast and brunch," menu items are made to order without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers, according to the release. Some standout menu items include avocado toast, farmhouse hash, lemon ricotta pancakes and the superfood kale salad. To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at First Watch this week through Friday will receive a free coffee with their meal. First Watch uses Project Sunrise coffee, which is sourced by women farmers in South America, according to the release. First Watch is one of the first businesses to open within the 30-acre redevelopment project called Water's Edge. Located at the former Crystal Court shopping center on Route 14 adjacent to Three Oaks Recreation Area, the development includes retail buildings, a public park, an overlook of the north Three Oaks Recreation Area lake, apartments and townhomes. Some of the housing is already occupied. Also opening this week is family-friendly dessert spot Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. According to its Facebook page, a grand opening celebration will be held Thursday with free frozen yogurt, balloon animals and gift bags. Other restaurants to follow First Watch shortly are BBQ King Smokehouse and fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant Cava, which will be its first location in McHenry County. Cava will open Monday, according to a Cava news release. "Our mission is to bring heart, health and humanity to food, and everything we do at CAVA is grounded in that spirit of generosity, to our guests, our team members and our community," Regional Director Gino Carlin said in the release. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be in Crystal Lake and continue growing our presence in the Chicago area." Shoppers and diners at Water's Edge will pay extra in taxes, though. The city has agreed to an additional 1% sales tax for the development - bringing the total paid to 9.5%, the highest in McHenry County - as an incentive for the builders. First Watch offers a revolving menu that changes each season. Crystal Lake's first seasonal menu will start in the fall. McHenry County's first location of the Florida-based café debuted last year in Algonquin along Randall Road. Other nearby locations are in Schaumburg, Kildeer, Bloomingdale and Des Plaines. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. The Crystal Lake location will employ about 30 people, according to the release. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at careers.firstwatch.com. Michelle is a reporter for the Northwest Herald that covers Crystal Lake, Cary, Lakewood, Prairie Grove, Fox River Grove and McHenry County College