First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Appointment of Ashlee Weisser to Chief Financial Officer

BRADENTON, Fla., June 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, today announced the appointment of Ashlee Weisser to Chief Financial Officer effective June 8, 2026. She succeeds Mel Hope, who announced his planned retirement earlier this year and will continue to serve in an Advisor role to support a seamless leadership transition.

Weisser joined First Watch in 2023 as Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, with over 15 years of experience guiding financial strategy and success at several national restaurant concepts, including most recently as CFO at Maple Street Biscuit Company during its aggressive growth stage following its acquisition by Cracker Barrel. Earlier in her career, she held several finance roles of increasing responsibility at Bloomin' Brands, Red Robin and Darden Restaurants.

“Throughout her time at First Watch, Ashlee has consistently demonstrated strong financial discipline, strategic insight and a results-driven mindset,” said Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch. “She has strengthened our financial foundation, advanced key growth initiatives and built a high-performing team to support our continued growth and evolution. This promotion reflects both her track record and her leadership, and we’re confident she will continue to play a critical role in driving our long-term success and shareholder value.”

As previously announced, Hope plans to retire following a distinguished career with the Company. “We are grateful for Mel’s leadership and many contributions over the years including his significant role in our successful initial public offering, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience and counsel as an Advisor in the months ahead,” said Tomasso.

About First Watch

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities - raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute - an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal - after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 640 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

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