Mel Hope serves as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc., the leading daytime dining restaurant concept with over 500 locations across the United States. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the company's financial operations, including strategic planning, capital markets activities, investor relations, treasury management, and financial reporting. Mel's leadership has been instrumental in supporting First Watch's aggressive expansion, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability since joining the company in October 2021. With more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, Mel brings deep expertise in scaling multi-brand operations. Prior to First Watch, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Bloomin' Brands, Inc., where she managed finances for a portfolio including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill, navigating the company through complex restructurings and international growth. Earlier, she held progressive finance leadership roles at Darden Restaurants, Inc., contributing to the financial strategies of brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Mel's notable achievements include guiding Bloomin' Brands through a successful debt refinancing and IPO preparations, as well as driving cost-saving initiatives that enhanced margins during economic challenges. A Certified Public Accountant, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida. Her strategic vision continues to position First Watch for sustained growth in the competitive casual dining landscape.