First Watch Restaurant Group Welcomes New Board Members
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG), a prominent name in the Daytime Dining industry known for its breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings, has announced the addition of Charles Jemley and Michael Fleisher to its Board of Directors. Charles Jemley has already begun his duties and will also take on the role of Chair of the Audit Committee. Michael Fleisher is set to join the board on a specified date soon.
Expertise of New Board Members
Charles Jemley brings extensive experience to the table, having served as Chief Financial Officer at Dutch Bros Coffee, where he continues to act as a strategic advisor to the CEO. His career also includes significant leadership roles at Yum! Brands and Starbucks. Currently, Jemley is a board member at Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FCPT), where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee and is involved in the Compensation Committee.
Michael Fleisher has over nine years of experience as the Chief Financial Officer of Wayfair, Inc. His previous roles include Vice Chairman for Strategy and Operations at Warner Music Group and Chief Executive Officer of Gartner, Inc. He is also currently active on the board of Squarespace, Inc. (NYSE: SQSP), where he chairs the Audit Committee.
Impact of the Appointments
The inclusion of Charles Jemley and Michael Fleisher on the Board underscores First Watch's dedication to strengthening its governance and financial management as it seeks to grow its brand. Ralph Alvarez, the Chairman of the Board, shared his excitement regarding their appointments, emphasizing the significance of having experienced leaders to drive the company’s future growth.
Board Composition
Jemley and Fleisher join a distinguished group of board members that includes Ralph Alvarez, Irene Chang Britt, Tricia Glynn, William Kussel, Stephanie Lilak, Dave Paresky, Jostein Solheim, and Chris Tomasso. Together, this board is well-equipped to steer First Watch through its ongoing growth and maintain its reputation as a leading dining establishment.
About First Watch Restaurant Group
First Watch is renowned for its distinctive Daytime Dining experience, which emphasizes made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Their dedication to using fresh ingredients has garnered the brand numerous accolades, featuring a menu that offers creative twists on classic dishes. Among their popular items are the Quinoa Power Bowl, Avocado Toast, Morning Meditation juice, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. First Watch has been recognized as the top restaurant brand on Yelp’s list of the most-loved brands in the U.S. and has also received the Top 100 Most Loved Workplace distinction from Newsweek.
Recent Achievements
Alongside recent restaurant openings, First Watch has been honored by Nation's Restaurant News for its menu innovation, showcasing items like the seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. With a growing presence of over 535 locations across multiple states, First Watch Restaurant Group is setting new benchmarks in daytime dining.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding investor relations, please contact:
Steve L. Marotta
941-500-1918
investors@firstwatch.com
For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Jenni Glester
407-864-5823
jglester@firstwatch.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Charles Jemley in First Watch?
Charles Jemley has been appointed to the Board of Directors and will serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Who is Michael Fleisher?
Michael Fleisher is an experienced CFO who has previously worked at Wayfair and Warner Music Group and has recently joined the Board of Directors at First Watch.
What does First Watch specialize in?
First Watch specializes in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients.
How many locations does First Watch currently operate?
First Watch operates over 535 restaurants across various states.
What recognition has First Watch received recently?
First Watch has received accolades for being the top restaurant brand on Yelp and for its workplace culture in Newsweek.
