Associate Chef - Now Hiring

Sweetgreen is a leading national restaurant brand committed to building healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Since its founding in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by offering fresh, flavorful meals crafted from sustainably-sourced ingredients. Rooted in relationships with farmers and local communities, Sweetgreen emphasizes quality, transparency, and innovation in every dish. With a mission to rewrite the future of fast food, Sweetgreen continues to grow rapidly, providing ample opportunities for career development in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment. The company prides itself on creating inclusive spaces where food, people, and purpose come together to inspire healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.

The Culinary Lead, known internally as the Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen, is a vital role that serves as the kitchen’s food quality expert. As a Culinary Lead, you are entrusted with overseeing how all food items are prepped, cooked, and presented to ensure every dish meets Sweetgreen’s high standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation. This role is unique in that it does not involve traditional people management responsibilities such as scheduling or performance reviews; instead, the focus is on setting the benchmark for culinary craftsmanship, coaching teammates in real-time, and maintaining consistency throughout each shift. The Culinary Lead acts as the go-to person for food quality and kitchen execution, collaborating closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence. Sweetgreen kitchens differ from standard restaurant settings by being free of grills and fryers, favoring smart systems and real food done right.

This position offers a clear pathway for career advancement, with top-performing Kitchen Leads often progressing to General Manager roles within 2-3 years. The Culinary Lead position is perfect for individuals who have experience in high-volume kitchens, whether in fast casual, quick-service restaurants, full-service, or corporate dining environments. Those who excel in this role take pride in their craft, enjoy leadership responsibilities without traditional people management, and are passionate about training and inspiring their peers. The role offers competitive wages, tips (subject to location and position), opportunities for medical, dental, and vision coverage for both part- and full-time team members, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, a free meal every shift, and access to a 401(k) plan depending on eligibility. Additionally, team members can participate in the Sweetgreen Merch Shop to earn and purchase exclusive Sweetgreen gear. The company fosters a supportive culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment for all employees regardless of race, gender identity, age, or other protected characteristics. By joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead, you’re investing not just in a job, but in a meaningful career centered around health, quality, and community impact.