Server

Firstwatch; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discount

Career Growth

Job summary

First Watch is hiring servers who bring enthusiasm and knowledge to breakfast, brunch, and lunch service. You will apply our Five Steps of Service to create memorable dining experiences and help guests feel welcome from the moment they sit down.

As a valued team member, you will multitask across table sections, learn the menu deeply, and collaborate with coworkers to ensure smooth service in a high-energy environment. First Watch offers inclusive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality or customer service.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of the menu and daily specials.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an exceptional dining experience using the Five Steps of Service.
• Assist team members and maintain a cooperative work atmosphere.
• Serve safe, high-quality food in a fast-paced setting.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Skills

Customer service

Multi-tasking

Menu knowledge

Teamwork

Friendly demeanor

Job description

In addition to no night shifts ever, and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That's where our YOU FIRST culture begins – each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.

A Few of The Perks (and not just the coffee!)

All employees are eligible for the following:

• Health Insurance*
• Unlimited access to medical and behavioral telemedicine through Cirrus MD
• Flexible Spending Account - set aside money for health care expenses*
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account - set aside money for dependent care for children up to age 13*
• 401(K) Retirement Savings Program*
• 50% meal discount for you, along with spouse / dependent children at all company restaurants
• Child Discount Program at The Learning Experience
• Employee Assistance Program and personal / professional coaching
• Bright Horizon - back up child and elder care
• Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness, indemnity)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - must meet the minimum hourly requirements
• Tuition Reimbursement & High School Diploma Program
• Spot Pet Insurance
• Complimentary premium access to the Calm App, plus 5 gift subscriptions
• Perks at Work (over 30,000 discounts on purchases for travel, fitness, auto event tickets & more)

*FT Employees are eligible the first of the month after 60 days of employment and must enroll within 30 days of employment.

About The Position

You delight in delivering an exceptional experience for your customers and learning our Five Steps of Service – our proven method built on the belief that teamwork really does make the dream work (and brings in the tips!) You are the ultimate multi-tasker and menu expert who enjoys juggling tableside responsibilities with genuine friendliness and expert food knowledge.

In addition, our Servers:

• Support fellow team members at every opportunity and believe in the power of teamwork
• Treat customers and team with kindness and respect
• Serve safe high-quality food in a fast-paced environment
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Who We Are

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 in our communities – raising approximately $2.3 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 in 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 660 restaurants in 33 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com .

First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.