In an era of AI avatars and digital overload, something as simple as a handwritten note can feel like a relic of the past. In fact, many Gen Zers can’t even read cursive. But for First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso, old-fashioned notes of appreciation are a ritual. The leader of the over $1 billion-a-year in revenue breakfast and lunch chain takes time each month to handwrite congratulations to cooks and dishwashers celebrating major milestones, like 10, 20, or even 30 years with the company. With more than 15,000 employees, Tomasso has penned over 500 notes—and believes the small gesture has an outsized impact. “I just love people that pick their lane, they love it, and they don’t want to do anything else,” Tomasso told Fortune. “They want to be the best dishwasher they can, and so I want to thank and reward loyalty, longevity, [and] the contributions that they make to the company.” First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso writes handwritten notes each month to his employees reaching major milestones (Courtesy of First Watch). Tomasso traces his approach to a moment early in his career. At 26, he received a handwritten thank-you note from his CEO at Hard Rock Café—a letter
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