First Watch — Restaurant in San Antonio

A Critical Review: My recent visits to the First Watch at this location left me with a troubling impression. While the food and atmosphere were enjoyable, as usual, it was the behavior of a particular manager that overshadowed the positive experience. A middle-aged female manager was present on this occasion earlier this week. Her interactions with the staff were concerning, to say the least. I observed her berating a hardworking employee, seemingly for no reason. It was a distressing display of verbal abuse that left me feeling both angry and disheartened. This incident is not an isolated occurrence. I've noticed a pattern of disrespectful behavior from this manager on previous visits & when I visited today on a not-too-busy Saturday, I observed her doing it again to a few more workers as I can see the mad look on her face, and she's the only manager that's seemingly inexperienced & the other managers looked like they were not pleased with her behavior. It’s clear that she is creating a toxic work environment, and it's having a negative impact on the overall morale of the staff. Over the past few weeks, I've noticed a significant turnover in staff. Many familiar faces are no longer there, and the overall energy seems to have shifted. I can't help but wonder if this manager's behavior is contributing to this exodus. It's a shame to see such talented individuals leaving a place they once loved. I believe that this manager's behavior may be a result of pressure from higher-ups. It's possible that she is being encouraged to adopt a more aggressive approach in order to improve efficiency or reduce costs. However, this is a short-sighted and counterproductive strategy that ultimately harms the business. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry, I understand the challenges that employees face. I've experienced firsthand the demoralizing effects of a bad manager. It's important to create a supportive and respectful workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated. I will be returning to the First Watch in the coming weeks to assess the situation. If I observe any further instances of mistreatment, I will not hesitate to escalate the matter to corporate or the Department of Labor. It is unacceptable for employees to be subjected to such abuse, and I will use my voice to advocate for their rights.

A Positive Turn for First Watch & update today 12/16/2024: Two months ago, I expressed deep concern about the behavior of a middle-aged female manager at this First Watch location. Her disrespectful treatment of a diligent dining area employee was disheartening to witness. However, my recent visit has provided a much more positive experience. The absence of this particular manager was noticeable, and the overall atmosphere seemed significantly improved. The dining area staff appeared more confident and efficient, suggesting a more supportive work environment. The service was prompt and friendly, and the food was, as always, delicious. It's clear that the current management team is fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. I plan to return to this First Watch location in the near future to continue monitoring the situation. I am hopeful that the positive changes will endure and that the restaurant will continue to provide excellent service and a pleasant...

We had a server with the last name Martinez , a girl . She was so rude and cold I don’t think I’ve even had that bad of service. I ordered an ice coffee and the milk went bad or something in it because it tasted sour & spoiled. I LOVE FIRST WATCH ESPECIALLY THAT COFFEE SO I KNEW. I didn’t make a big deal about it I was super nice and asked for a new one , they remade it I didn’t get an apology or anything , that’s fine but I could still taste that sour taste, I pushed it off to the side after taking a few drinks to see if it was just me or the drink again and ate my food. Didn’t complain. Our waitress didn’t check on us once or anything fine again not gonna make a big deal or not pick, When the bill was brought to us my friend noticed the ice coffee was on there and simply asked “does she really have to pay for that iced coffee that was spoiled” with no hesitation the waitress loudly jumped at us & replied with the ugliest attitude why would you not have to pay for your drink causing other tables to look at us. Embarrassing making it seem like we are looking to get free food, but then I replied again nicely with “the coffee was spoiled”, She cut me off and said you got a new coffee right there “what’s the issue “ rolling her eyes and being snarky. I had to explain to her. I’ve only taken three drinks out of it MAYBE anyone can see the cup is still way more than halfway full. She walks off brings a manager. I was so embarrassed because of how loud she was being. The manager is apologizing for her saying that no we shouldn’t even be charged for that drink. The thing is she wanted a reason to jump at us and give us attitude after that you evaluate the way she was being the whole time to us , just ugly . The manager goes and talks to her and the rest of the time we are there , standing in line to pay. She is laughing to herself , making ugly faces, and rolling her eyes , all over asking to take a $4 coffee that was spoiled off of our bill. don’t know if it’s because we were younger or what but I have never in my life felt so uncomfortable by a server. I wish I would have complained more because here I am still thinking about that situation today from yesterday . I will never return to...

First time going and we were disappointed with the way the food was made and the service. Ordered a hash with over easy eggs but one was busted. That’s not an over easy egg, apparently they don’t know. Avocado in the hash was also dark and bruised. We asked several times for butter which finally we got. We had to ask for straws to drink the orange juice. I’m seeing a pattern here. We had to ask for an extra plate. We had to ask for many things that other restaurants provide to customers automatically. Noticed the other tables had to do the same. Each time we have to wait for the waitress to come back so we can figure out what is missing and ask for it. Another table tried calling to her but she didn’t hear and they had to wait again. We decided to split a Belgium waffle and the million dollar bacon at the end of our breakfast. The waffle was deflated and coming apart into two halves. Looked like they didn’t provide enough batter in the waffle iron. We sent it back and they made another that still was not a Belgium waffle, but was eatable. There’s a difference between waffles and Belgium waffles the cook must not know the difference. We also ordered the works omelette which comes with either greens or potatoes. I wanted potatoes but was never asked. So I let the waitress know when she brought it. At the end I was charged for additional potatoes. I brought this up to the cashier and the waitress came over to explain that they will get in trouble if they ask. WOW! Sounds like horrible management. Unfortunately we won’t be back. Yes I had to pay for the additional potatoes. On a good note the Belgium waffle charge was removed. Don’t order the Belgium waffles here go to a place that knows what they are doing. I would recommend the million dollar bacon that really was good, a little burned on one side but I don’t...