First Watch chief marketing officer Chris Tomasso will take on the additional role of president of the breakfast, brunch and lunch company starting January 1, 2016, the Bradenton, Fla.-based chain said.
Ken Pendery, the current president and CEO, will remain CEO.
Tomasso, who joined the First Watch’s executive team in 2006, will be responsible for overseeing all operations, as well as culinary and marketing functions, of the company’s 276 restaurants under four brands: First Watch, The Egg & I, The Good Egg and Bread & Company.
“Chris brings a unique combination of strategic brand vision and tactical operations knowledge, and he has served as a trusted advisor to me since he joined First Watch nearly 10 years ago," Pendery said in a statement. “He has always embraced our culture and has helped lead First Watch through years of brand evolution and aggressive growth. I’m confident that we will continue on the path to success and maintain our dynamic culture with Chris in this new role.”
First Watch has introduced a variety of more healthful options at its restaurants in recent years, including Quinoa Power Bowls and avocado toast. It also introduced juice bars at some of its locations this year.
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