Associate Chef

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand that has been passionately committed to building healthier communities through a deep connection to real, fresh food since its inception in 2007. The company has redefined the fast food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful dishes that prioritize sustainability and relationships with farmers and local communities. Sweetgreen operates in a fast-casual restaurant environment where the goal is to deliver high-quality food with integrity and care, making it a leader in the movement toward healthier eating and better food choices. Sweetgreen prides itself on cultivating an inclusive work culture that values diversity and equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. The company is also committed to supporting its team members with various benefits including medical, dental, vision options, and 401(k) plans, emphasizing the importance of personal and professional development within its workforce.

The Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen, referred to internally as the Kitchen Lead, is a pivotal role for maintaining and elevating the quality of food prepared and presented every shift. This role is not a people management position—meaning it does not involve responsibilities such as scheduling or employee performance reviews—but instead focuses on being the food quality expert in the kitchen. The Culinary Lead owns the standards for how food is prepped, cooked, and presented, ensuring that every dish meets Sweetgreen's high expectations for flavor, food safety, and presentation. The kitchen is equipped with smart systems and avoids traditional cooking tools like grills and fryers, creating a unique environment where the emphasis is purely on fresh, real food preparation.

The role requires someone passionate about food quality, consistency, and craftsmanship who also enjoys mentoring and coaching teammates to excel in their culinary execution. The Culinary Lead provides real-time feedback to help team members improve while managing prep timing and inventory to ensure smooth kitchen operations during high-volume service. They play a critical role as the kitchen's food quality advocate, spotting and resolving issues promptly, and work closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who love being in the kitchen, take pride in delivering consistent and high-quality food, and want to develop leadership skills without the full responsibility of managing staff. It’s also attractive to candidates with experience in fast casual, quick service, or full-service kitchens who are eager to grow within a forward-thinking company. Sweetgreen provides a career pathway for top-performing Kitchen Leads, with clear advancement opportunities to become General Managers within two to three years.

Sweetgreen offers competitive wages and many perks including tips (dependent on the role and location), paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and a free meal every shift. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available for eligible part-time and full-time team members. The company also features a Team Member Merch Shop where employees can purchase custom Sweetgreen gear, reinforcing team culture and identity. This role requires individuals who meet physical demands, possess food safety certification such as a Food Handler or ServSafe, and can commit to a minimum of 30 hours a week. Sweetgreen’s inclusive hiring practices and participation in the federal E-Verify program emphasize their commitment to a fair and welcoming workplace. Joining Sweetgreen means becoming part of a movement that champions better food, better communities, and a better future.