Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a pioneering national restaurant brand that is committed to fostering healthier communities by connecting people with real, wholesome food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals sourced directly from farmers and rooted deeply in community relationships. Unlike traditional fast food, Sweetgreen emphasizes quality, sustainability, and nutrition in every dish it serves, cultivating an environment where both employees and customers can participate in a movement toward healthier living. The company operates numerous locations across the United States and continues to expand, providing growth opportunities for its team members. Sweetgreen values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees and applicants receive equal opportunities without discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, or any protected characteristics. Employees benefit from working in a forward-thinking, mission-driven workplace that promotes both personal and professional development.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, is a specialized position focusing entirely on food quality and kitchen execution without the responsibilities of people management. In this role, you will serve as the food quality expert within the kitchen, owning the process of food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure every item meets Sweetgreen's high standards for flavor, food safety, and appearance. Unlike conventional restaurant kitchen environments, Sweetgreen kitchens operate without grills or fryers, relying instead on smart cooking systems and techniques that prioritize safety and quality. As a Culinary Lead, your main responsibility is to lead by example through craftsmanship, coaching fellow kitchen team members, and maintaining consistency during every shift. You'll collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers, supporting them in upholding food safety protocols, cleanliness, and overall operational excellence. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about food quality, enjoy training others, and want to take on leadership responsibilities without engaging in full people management duties like scheduling or performance reviews.

Sweetgreen's Culinary Lead role is designed as a stepping stone for career advancement within their restaurant operations. Top-performing Kitchen Leads typically follow a clear path to becoming General Managers within 2 to 3 years, making this position an excellent opportunity for growth within a fast-growing company. The position offers competitive wages, potential earnings from tips depending on location and role, and benefits including medical, dental, and vision options for both part-time and full-time team members. In addition, employees receive paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, free meals every shift, 401(k) options, and access to a team member merchandise shop where they can earn and purchase customized Sweetgreen gear. To qualify, candidates must be physically capable of the role’s demands, have food safety knowledge such as Food Handler or ServSafe certification, and be authorized to work in the United States. This dynamic and health-conscious workplace provides a unique opportunity to join a team committed to reshaping the future of fast food and building a healthier tomorrow.