First Watch

Yes. First Watch is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a First Watch location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $1.2M – $2.0M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Total initial investment to open a First Watch franchise ranges from $1.2M – $2.0M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.

The First Watch initial franchise fee is $45K – $80K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.

First Watch operates 108 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.

First Watch was founded in 2005, giving the brand 21 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.

First Watch unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the First Watch FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.

Submit a request through this page to receive the First Watch Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.

The current First Watch FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.