Guiding the next chapter at First Table

At First Table, our values are the compass that keeps us moving in the same direction. 

As we step into our next stage of growth, we've sharpened that compass, with values that will help us scale with clarity, make the right calls quickly, and stay aligned as one global team.

We've gone from six values down to three. Why? Because simplicity creates focus and focus creates power.

These three values: Win–Win–Win, Own It, and Grow Together give us the framework to make fast, aligned decisions, hire well, and keep growing as one global team.

Here's the story behind the refresh, and how these values are already shaping the way we work.

Why now?

Our original six values served us well in our early years. But as we scaled across markets and teams, some carried more weight than others. A few overlapped, while others did not always translate into daily decisions.

So, we took a step back and asked ourselves: Which values truly resonate with our people? Which ones show up naturally in our culture? And which do we need most for the road ahead?

With that feedback, our Executive Leadership Team aligned the values with strategy and then partnered with colleagues across the business to refine the language. The goal was straightforward: to create values that act as clear, functional and practical guardrails, helping us make aligned decisions, focus our planning and drive consistent behaviours across the organisation.

Bringing them to life

Once the three were set, our marketing team brought them to life. From bespoke designs to a custom Slack emoji pack, the values are woven into how we communicate and celebrate one another.

We launched them at our July Global All Hands with a spotlight rhythm: each month, one value takes centre stage. Leaders bring it into their talks with real examples, and a peer-nominated values award celebrates the behaviours in action. This cadence keeps the values alive and builds a shared bank of stories that remind us what living the values really looks like.

Our new values

Win–Win–Win: When our restaurants and diners win, we all win
A mindset of shared success. We think beyond ourselves and consider long-term impact on diners, restaurant partners, our team, and our stakeholders.

Own It: Be accountable. Drive progress
A commitment to clarity, integrity, and follow-through. We own our impact and build trust through consistent, respectful action.

Grow Together: Raise the bar, for yourself, your teammates and the business
We’re here to grow as a business, a team, and as individuals. We learn, adapt, and help each other get better, wherever we’re working from.

How they work operationally, functionally, and culturally

• Operationally: They guide planning, prioritisation, and decision-making, acting as a filter for where we put our focus.
  

• Functionally: They’re embedded in how we hire, onboard, and develop our people.
  

• Culturally: They set the tone for how we collaborate, give feedback, and recognise one another’s contributions.

Looking ahead

This values refresh is more than just a branding exercise. With three sharp, actionable values, we’ve created a clear framework that aligns us for an exciting road ahead.