Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 2007 by three Georgetown University graduates in Washington, DC The company specializes in made-to-order salads, warm bowls, and other healthy food options using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers.

As of December 2023, Sweetgreen operates over 220 locations across the US. The company went public in November 2021 and reported USD 584 million in revenue for fiscal year 2023, a 24% increase from the previous year.

Sweetgreen's menu features customizable salads and warm grain bowls, with options like the popular Kale Caesar and Harvest Bowl. The company emphasizes using high-quality, organic ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. Most menu items range from USD 10-USD 17.

The chain has embraced technology, with digital orders accounting for 59% of sales in 2023. Sweetgreen has also begun testing automated "Infinite Kitchen" locations to improve efficiency.

Sweetgreen has seen improving financial results, with restaurant-level profit margins expanding to 17% in 2023. The company aims to reach profitability in 2024 as it continues expanding, targeting 23-27 net new restaurant openings that year.

Sweetgreen positions itself as a healthier alternative to traditional fast food, appealing particularly to millennial and Gen Z consumers in urban areas. The company faces competition from other fast-casual salad chains but has established itself as a leader in the segment through its focus on fresh ingredients, customization options, and brand identity centered on health and sustainability.