First Watch Reports Robust Start to Fiscal Year 2026

First Watch Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: FWRG), a prominent establishment specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch, has announced its financial performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. The company reported a significant uplift in its overall revenue, alongside impressive gains in sales at its established locations, according to Yahoo Finance. The restaurant chain experienced an 18.2% surge in total revenues, reaching $247.9 million for the quarter that concluded on March 27, 2026. This substantial increase was bolstered by the opening of new restaurants and a notable rise in comparable restaurant sales. Comparable restaurant sales, a crucial indicator of a restaurant chain's health, saw an increase of 7.2% for the quarter. This growth was driven by a 6.2% improvement in the average check size and a 1.0% rise in customer traffic. The company’s owned restaurants specifically recorded a 6.9% increase in comparable restaurant sales. During the quarter, First Watch expanded its footprint by opening 11 new company-owned restaurants, contributing to its ongoing growth strategy. The company also reported an adjusted EBITDA of $38.9 million, an improvement from $34.2 million in the same period of the previous year. Net income attributable to First Watch Restaurant Group was reported at $7.5 million, which translates to $0.12 per diluted share. This compares to a net income of $7.9 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. The restaurant group is also maintaining its financial outlook for the entire fiscal year 2026. Management anticipates total revenues to fall within the range of $1.040 billion to $1.065 billion. Comparable restaurant sales growth is projected to be between 4.0% and 6.0%. Furthermore, the company plans to open 39 to 42 new company-owned restaurants throughout the year and expects adjusted EBITDA to be between $143.0 million and $150.0 million. These results demonstrate a positive trajectory for First Watch as it continues to execute its expansion plans and enhance its operational efficiency. The consistent performance in comparable sales and strategic new restaurant openings underscore the company's strong market position in the competitive casual dining sector.