First Watch Restaurants added the role of CEO to Chris Tomasso, the restaurant chain’s current president. Chris Tomasso

Tomasso replaces Ken Pendery, who will become executive chairman of the board for the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept.

In Pendery’s new role as executive chairman he will work as a liaison between First Watch’s management, board of directors and its private equity partner. In late 2017, Advent International made a majority investment in First Watch, which plans to open an additional 30 locations in 2018 through a combination of company-owned and franchise growth and restaurant conversions.

Tomasso joined First Watch in August of 2006 as its first chief marketing officer. In 2015, he was named company president. Prior to joining First Watch, Tomasso served as vice president of marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and also previously served as vice president of worldwide marketing for Hard Rock Café International.