First Watch Hires Shane Schaibly as Director of Culinary / Corporate Chef

Corporate chef brings more than 10 years of experience and creativity to the “Daytime Café”

Schaibly joins First Watch with more than 10 years of experience in the food service industry. As director of culinary/corporate chef, Schaibly will be responsible for the implementation of all culinary initiatives and Limited Time Only projects for First Watch. Additionally, he will focus on First Watch’s on menu strategy, recipe development, ingredient sourcing, product forecasting and procurement.

“Shane’s experience and love for creating unique seasonal food will be a fantastic addition to our team.” said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch.  “We are excited to see the new flavors he will bring to our restaurants across the country as he looks to implement the latest in consumer culinary trends on our menus.”

Schaibly, a former corporate chef for Front Burner Brands (The Melting Pot. Burger 21, GrillSmith), has managed the culinary direction of multi-unit, multi-concept experiences including restaurants in the upscale dining, casual dining, and fast casual segments. He has extensive menu item ideation, research and development, and execution experience.

Schaibly received his Associate in Science degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in 2005. Schaibly was a sponsored participant at the 2013 Burger Bash during the SOBE Food and Wine Festival in Miami Beach, Fla. Schaibly also holds the current Guinness Book of World Records record for the World’s Largest Cheese Fondue Set.

For First Watch franchise information, please visit http://www.firstwatch.com/franchise/.

First Watch Hires Shane Schaibly as Director of Culinary / Corporate ChefFirst Watch specializes in award-winning, made-to-order Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites, such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty items like the fan-favorite Chickichanga and Fresh Fruit Crepes. Named a 2013 “Next 20” emerging brand by Nation’s Restaurant News, First Watch is currently the largest daytime-only restaurant concept in the U.S. with more than 115 restaurants in 16 states and additional units under development as part of the Bradenton, Fla.-based company’s aggressive growth strategy. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.