Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a leading national restaurant brand renowned for its commitment to building healthier communities by connecting people with real, fresh food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food landscape by offering meals that are not only flavorful and fresh but also rooted in authentic relationships with local farmers and communities. As the brand continues to grow, Sweetgreen places immense value on developing its people across various restaurant locations and corporate support centers. They foster a culture where everyone can be part of a vibrant movement aimed at promoting wellness and sustainability through food. Sweetgreen is known not only for its innovative menu and dedication to quality but also for its inclusive work environment that champions equal opportunity for all employees, without regard to gender, age, race, religion, disability, or any legally protected status. Joining Sweetgreen means investing in more than just a job; it is about being part of a mission-driven company where food, people, and purpose intersect to create meaningful experiences.

The Culinary Lead role, also called the Kitchen Lead, is a vital position within Sweetgreen’s restaurants. This role is centered on food quality expertise, where the Culinary Lead takes ownership of how food is prepped, cooked, and presented for every shift. Unlike traditional kitchen roles, this position does not involve people management tasks such as scheduling or performance reviews but focuses on leading through craftsmanship, coaching, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. The Culinary Lead serves as the go-to person for food quality and kitchen execution, helping teammates elevate their culinary skills and ensuring that every item meets Sweetgreen’s high standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation. The kitchens are designed for efficiency and innovation, featuring no grills or fryers but instead smart systems that align with Sweetgreen’s commitment to real, fresh food.

This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in food quality and consistency, enjoy working in fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environments, and are eager to contribute to a team without the full responsibilities of people management. As a Culinary Lead, you will collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence while providing real-time feedback and coaching to peers. Sweetgreen’s Culinary Leads also have clear growth pathways, with top performers moving towards General Manager roles within two to three years. Additionally, the role offers various benefits including competitive wages, tips (where applicable), medical, dental, vision options for part-time and full-time employees, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, 401(k) options, free meals every shift, and access to the Team Member Merch Shop to earn and purchase custom Sweetgreen gear. Overall, this role offers a unique blend of culinary leadership, hands-on food preparation, and team collaboration to help shape the future of fast-casual dining while advancing your career in a supportive, values-driven company.