Newport News,VA,USA Cook-Join The Team!(Full-time)-First Watch
Posted on October 24, 2025
Role Based in Newport News, VA, USA
Role Essentials
- Location: Newport News, VA, USA, VA
- Hiring Organization: First Watch Restaurants, Inc.
- Position: Cook - Join The Team! (Based in Newport News, VA, USA)
- This Newport News, VA, USA-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our First Watch Restaurants, Inc. team in Newport News, VA, USA, VA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Newport News, VA, USA, a key hub for the a dynamic industry.
Rewards
- Pay: $22-$22/Hour (approx. $45.8k/Year)
- Benefits: This role offers a competitive benefits package.
- Clear growth pathways at our Newport News, VA, USA office.
Position Scope
- This role centers on your professional skills within the a dynamic space in Newport News, VA, USA.
First Watch is a premier daytime dining restaurant chain renowned for its high-quality, chef-curated breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings. Established with a strong commitment to serving fresh, made-to-order meals using the freshest ingredients, First Watch has become a leader in the fast-casual dining industry. The company proudly operates over 600 restaurants across 31 states, continuously expanding its footprint while maintaining a focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Guided by its unique "Follow the Sun" philosophy, First Watch rotates its menu five times a year to introduce peak-season flavors and innovative dishes that delight customers while staying true to classic favorites. Dishes like the Kale Tonic juice, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and signature Million Dollar Bacon have earned the brand numerous awards, recognizing it as a top choice for daytime dining.
First Watch's #1 priority is its people, encapsulated in its YOU FIRST philosophy. This company culture emphasizes employee well-being, independence, and empowerment, fostering an environment where team members are equipped and encouraged to make decisions that enhance customer satisfaction. The company is also committed to providing its employees with balance, offering no night shifts and a fully chef-curated menu to ensure a positive work-life experience. Over the years, First Watch has been celebrated as the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America as voted by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.
The opportunity at First Watch invites applicants to become part of the Back-of-the-House culinary team. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, safe, and delicious meals in a fast-paced environment built on teamwork and respect for food quality. New cooks are trained at specific stations that match their skill levels and are encouraged to grow their culinary talents at their own pace. The role does not require perfection from day one, as the company values the learning journey and passion for food over technical mastery alone. Cooks take pride in following award-winning recipes prepared with precision, using fresh ingredients to ensure each plate meets the company's high standards. Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and sanitation is a key component of the role, ensuring a safe kitchen environment for all team members.
Additionally, joining First Watch means becoming part of a company that invests deeply in its community. It donates a portion from every kid’s meal to organizations that make positive impacts locally and nationally, having raised more than $1.7 million to date. The company not only values culinary excellence but also embraces social responsibility, making it an attractive choice for individuals who want to contribute to meaningful causes through their work.
Employees at First Watch are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, unlimited access to telemedicine services, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses, a 401(k) retirement savings program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. Notably, the company offers a 50% meal discount for employees and their families at all its restaurants, ensuring that staff can enjoy the same culinary delights they help prepare. Additional perks, such as backup childcare services, employee assistance programs, and premium access to wellness apps, further enhance the employee experience.
This position requires candidates to be at least 18 years old and ready to work in a team-based, fast-paced kitchen environment. Strong communication skills, attention to food safety, and dedication to maintaining a clean work station are essential attributes for success. First Watch is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply. If you are passionate about food quality, teamwork, and community involvement, and you seek a positive work culture with meaningful benefits, this cook position at First Watch offers an ideal opportunity to advance your culinary career while contributing to a beloved dining concept.
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment
- Availability to work flexible hours including weekends
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members
- Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards