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First Watch Restaurant CFO Mel Hope to retire
Longtime finance chief plans to step down later this year as company searches for successor
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. announced that Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope has informed the company of his intent to retire later this year. The company has commenced a process to identify his successor, considering both internal and external candidates. Hope is expected to remain as CFO until his successor is in place to ensure a seamless transition and serve as an advisor to the company for a period thereafter.
Why it matters
Mel Hope has served as CFO of First Watch for nearly eight years, guiding the company through its IPO process and multiple stages of growth. His retirement marks a significant transition for the leading Daytime Dining concept as it looks to maintain its momentum and financial leadership.
The details
During his career, which began in 1984, Hope served as CFO of Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC and held executive positions with several privately-owned organizations and startup ventures. First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso praised Hope's steady hand and commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the company.
- Hope plans to retire later this year.
- Hope will remain as CFO until his successor is in place.
The players
Mel Hope
Chief Financial Officer of First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. who plans to retire later this year.
Chris Tomasso
CEO and President of First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.
The leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
What they’re saying
“Mel joined us with decades of experience and was invaluable in guiding our IPO process. For nearly eight years, he has served as a steady hand and confidant – ushering our Company into multiple stages of growth and success. In true Mel fashion, he has positioned us well for this next phase – complete with a strong financial leadership team in place and his commitment to work with us through his successor's transition. On behalf of our entire team, I'd like to thank Mel for his many contributions and leadership. We wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of life.”
— Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch (stocktitan.net)
“It has been an honor and my pleasure to serve as First Watch's CFO, and to be part of this remarkable brand, working alongside our talented executive team. The Company is well-positioned for continued and rapid growth, and I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
— Mel Hope, Chief Financial Officer of First Watch (stocktitan.net)
What’s next
The company has commenced a search process to identify Hope's successor, considering both internal and external candidates.
The takeaway
Mel Hope's retirement as CFO of First Watch marks a significant transition for the growing restaurant chain, but the company appears well-positioned to maintain its financial leadership and momentum with Hope's commitment to ensuring a smooth handoff to his successor.
