First Watch Co-Founder, Longtime CEO and Former Chairman Ken Pendery Passes Away at 70
BRADENTON, Fla., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- His bold words are plastered on the walls of the Florida-based restaurant company's Home Office and serve as a constant reminder and permanent edict from the beloved hospitality leader: "Culture is integrity. It's honesty. It's respect."
- First Watch announced today that co-founder and longtime leader Ken Pendery passed away on March 4, 2024, after a battle with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare neurological disorder.
- Pendery retired from the company's board of directors in 2022 after 38 years with the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept.
- During his time at the helm, First Watch grew from about 50 restaurants in 1998 to more than 330 in 2018, when he transitioned from CEO to executive chairman.
- Pendery is survived by his wife, Jenny; two children, Trey (Maureen) and Libby (Kevin); and four grandchildren, Woods, Nora, Sita and Red.