First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery passed away on Monday, aged 70, after a struggle with multiple system atrophy – a rare neurological condition. 

Pendery took the CEO role in the late 1990s, then transitioned to executive chairman and stepped down from the board four years later. 

Pendery departed from the company’s board of directors in 2022, having spent 38 years with the breakfast, brunch, and lunch concepts. During his long career, he and co-founder John Sullivan relocated the company’s operations from California to the Gulf Coast of Florida in the mid-1980s.

“Ken’s impact and influence is – and will forever be – felt throughout our organization,” said current CEO and president Chris Tomasso. 

“He was a mentor and dear friend, and the epitome of the ‘You First’ culture our company is built upon. Everyone who crossed his path is better for it. Our hearts go out to his family, and we will carry his memory fondly.”

First Watch is a Florida-based chain that serves made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The company currently runs over 520 locations in 29 states across the US. 

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