First Watch Restaurant: Eggs Got Cheaper, The Stock Didn't
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. delivered positive same-store sales and margin expansion, but growth is increasingly reliant on new restaurant openings rather than organic traffic. FWRG's premium positioning is a double-edged sword amid macro headwinds, with average check growth offsetting declining traffic and mix; comps rose 2.8% despite traffic falling ~2%. Restaurant-level margins benefited from egg price deflation, but normalized margins (18–19%) are expected until organic top-line growth improves; FCF was modestly positive, with net debt at ~$229M.