Locally based national restaurant chain names new CEO

MANATEE — East Manatee County-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain First Watch Restaurants Inc. announced that current President Chris Tomasso will take on the additional role and title of CEO, succeeding Ken Pendery. 

Pendery will become executive chairman of the board, according to a press release. The transition is effective immediately. In his new role, Pendery will work as a liaison between First Watch management, the board of directors and its private equity partner.