Case Studies / First Watch
Restaurant
E-commerce
Mobile App Development
Web App Development
Switchbox built a cross-platform mobile app for First Watch that unifies online ordering, real-time waitlist management, and content updates across 430+ locations—integrating with Olo and Wisely to deliver a seamless branded guest experience on iOS and Android.
0+
U.S. locations served by the app
The Challenge
Unifying ordering, reservations, and admin controls across 430+ locations
With more than 430 locations across 28 states, First Watch needed more than just a mobile app—they needed a scalable, centralized digital platform that could support seamless online ordering, real-time queue and reservation management, and dynamic content updates for menus, hours, and location-specific changes.
The existing systems—Olo for ordering and Wisely for CRM and waitlist—were solid tools, but the challenge was integrating them into a smooth, branded user experience across both iOS and Android. On top of that, First Watch needed a solution that allowed non-technical admins to easily manage updates across hundreds of locations.
Our Approach
Architecting a unified mobile experience
Switchbox partnered with First Watch to evaluate their existing tools—Olo for ordering and Wisely for CRM—and map out how to integrate them into a single, coherent mobile experience. We selected Ruby on Rails for the API backend and ReactJS compiled with Cordova for cross-platform deployment on both iOS and Android.
We designed an easy-to-manage CMS layer that would let corporate admins control content updates across hundreds of locations without developer support—a critical requirement for a brand operating at this scale.
What We Built
A custom, cross-platform mobile app built for speed and scale
Switchbox built a robust mobile solution using a Ruby on Rails API backend and a ReactJS front end compiled with Cordova for simultaneous deployment on iOS and Android. Real-time integrations with Olo for online ordering and Wisely for queue and CRM functionality were built directly into the app.
An easy-to-use CMS enables corporate admins to make quick updates to menu items, hours of operation, and store-specific content. Customers can place orders, join a waitlist, and find store information—all within a single, intuitive mobile interface.
The platform also supports split payments between gift cards and credit cards, WCAG compliance for accessibility, and rapid updates for curbside and contactless pickup.
The Results
A customer-centric app that evolves with the brand
Since launch, the First Watch mobile app has become a critical touchpoint in the brand’s digital strategy. Outcomes include faster, more flexible app deployment across both platforms; real-time updates that accommodated curbside and contactless pickup during the pandemic; enhanced payment functionality with split payments; and improved accessibility through WCAG compliance.
The app continues to evolve as First Watch scales, offering a seamless guest experience while making life easier for their internal operations team.
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