Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand committed to fostering healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by prioritizing fresh, flavorful meals crafted with integrity and conscious sourcing. The company works directly with farmers and local communities to ensure that each dish served upholds a standard of quality and sustainability. Sweetgreen operates as a fast-casual restaurant chain but distinguishes itself by eliminating traditional kitchen elements like grills and fryers, focusing instead on smart systems and a simple kitchen setup dedicated to real food done right. Employment at Sweetgreen involves embracing a culture rooted in health, wellness, and community involvement, making it a premier destination for those passionate about food and positive social impact.

The Culinary Lead role, also known as Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen, plays a pivotal position as the food quality expert in the kitchen. This position centers on owning the kitchen's food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring every item that leaves the kitchen adheres to Sweetgreen’s high standards for flavor, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Unlike managerial roles, the Culinary Lead does not engage in scheduling or performance reviews but rather leads through exemplary craft, coaching peers in real-time, and driving consistency across shifts. This role is essential for maintaining operational excellence and food quality by proactively managing prep timing, inventory par levels, and promptly addressing any quality issues.

The Culinary Lead will work closely alongside Shift Leaders and Managers to sustain food safety protocols, cleanliness standards, and seamless kitchen execution. While this role does not involve formal people management responsibilities, it offers invaluable leadership experience geared towards food excellence. The kitchen environment at Sweetgreen is designed without traditional cooking methods involving flames or fryers, favoring knives, kitchen tools, and ovens to prepare wholesome meals that customers love.

Sweetgreen offers Culinary Leads a clear path for career growth, with top performers progressing to General Manager roles within two to three years. This role provides competitive wages, eligibility for tips depending on location, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for both part-time and full-time team members, paid time off including vacation and parental leave, a free meal each shift, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, team members have opportunities to earn and purchase exclusive Sweetgreen merchandise. This role is well suited for individuals who have experience in high-volume kitchen environments—whether fast casual, quick service, full-service restaurants, or corporate dining—and who take pride in delivering consistent, clean, and high-quality food preparation. Sweetgreen values diversity, equity, and inclusion and offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of various protected statuses.