Associate Chef - Now Hiring

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized fast food by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals made from high-quality ingredients sourced through strong relationships with farmers and local communities. The company prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, health, and innovation in the fast casual dining space. Sweetgreen operates modern kitchens that prioritize quality and efficiency, using smart systems instead of traditional kitchens laden with grills and fryers. The brand is passionate about fostering environments where food, people, and purpose intersect, creating a supportive workplace culture where every team member can thrive.

As a Culinary Lead, known internally as a Kitchen Lead, you become the food quality expert in the Sweetgreen kitchen. This role is pivotal in ensuring that every dish prepared meets the company’s high standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. You will own how food is prepped, cooked, and presented during your shift. Unlike a traditional restaurant kitchen position, this is not a people management role; instead, it focuses on expertise in food quality and execution. You will lead by example, providing coaching, feedback, and support to your teammates in real-time to maintain consistency and craftsmanship. While you won’t be responsible for scheduling or personnel reviews, you serve as the go-to person for kitchen operations related to culinary standards.

This position is perfect for individuals who enjoy the creative and fast-paced environment of a high-volume kitchen but want to focus solely on food quality and kitchen execution without the administrative duties of full management. Sweetgreen kitchens do not use grills or fryers but rely on precision and smart cooking techniques using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens. The Culinary Lead helps ensure smooth operations by managing prep timing and inventory par levels, anticipating surge volume and keeping everything running seamlessly. You will also work closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold all food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence protocols.

The Culinary Lead position offers a clear career path within Sweetgreen, with top performers often advancing to General Manager roles within two to three years. Sweetgreen values leadership that fosters growth, learning, and fun in a friendly and dynamic kitchen environment. This role is a fantastic opportunity for you to build your culinary skills, contribute to a purpose-driven company, and grow personally and professionally within a movement that is transforming the future of fast food.