First Watch Restaurant Group is rated a Modest Buy, reflecting a balance between low current profitability and strong long-term growth potential. FWRG's aggressive expansion has driven revenue CAGR of 18.3% over three years, but operating margins compressed from 4.6% to 2.3% due to rising costs. Valuation is rich on earnings multiples (78x forward P/E), but price-to-sales is modest; the market is betting on future margin expansion.
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (FWRG) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Although the revenue and EPS for First Watch Restaurant Group (FWRG) give a sense of how its business performed in the quarter ended March 2026, it might be worth considering how some key metrics compare with Wall Street estimates and the year-ago numbers.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE Curtis Ellergodt Rothschild Investment LLC | 80 | $1,355.49 | $1,000 | -$355.49 | -26.23% |
| SN Stephanie Nee HARBOR CAPITAL ADVISORS Inc. | 18,673 | $257,073.89 | $232,198.75 | -$24,875.14 | -9.68% |
| BG Bart Gancher Intech Investment Management LLC | 12,204 | $220,823.98 | $151,806.78 | -$69,017.2 | -31.25% |
Anthony Scaramucci SkyBridge Capital II LLC | 11,234 | $117,732 | $139,837.46 | $22,105.46 | 18.78% |
Joseph Castro Nuveen LLC | 79,938 | $1.28M | $990,431.82 | -$288,413.97 | -22.55% |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure Industry | Consumer Discretionary Sector | Christopher A. Tomasso CEO | NASDAQ (NGS) Exchange | 33748L101 CUSIP |
| US Country | 17,500 Employees | - Last Dividend | - Last Split | 1 Oct 2021 IPO Date |
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc., headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, is a distinguished player in the U.S. dining industry, operating and franchising restaurants under the renowned First Watch trade name. Originating in 1983, the company has evolved significantly over the years. It underwent a significant rebranding from its former identity, AI Fresh Super Holdco, Inc., by adopting its current name in December 2019. This rebranding reflects its focus on providing exceptional dining experiences as it continues to grow and cement its presence across the United States.
First Watch specializes in operating a network of dining establishments that offer a unique blend of traditional and innovative breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. These restaurants are strategically located across the United States, ensuring a broad demographic reach. The ambiance in each restaurant is carefully crafted to enhance the dining experience, making it a preferred choice for various occasions.
In addition to direct operations, First Watch extends its brand through franchising, offering entrepreneurs and business owners the opportunity to be part of its success story. The franchising model is built on a strong foundation of support and collaboration, ensuring that each franchisee has the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed. This approach has allowed First Watch to expand its footprint and bring its distinctive dining experience to more communities across the country.