Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand that has revolutionized the fast food industry by focusing on healthier, fresh, and flavorful food options. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has committed itself to fostering healthier communities by connecting people with real, wholesome food sourced directly from trusted farmers and local communities. This dedication to real food and sustainability extends through every aspect of the business, from the careful selection of ingredients to the design of the dining environment. Sweetgreen's mission is not only to provide nutritious meals but to create a movement where food, people, and purpose intersect, making it an inspiring workplace for driven individuals seeking to contribute to a positive change in the food service landscape.

At Sweetgreen, the culture emphasizes growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member is valued and given the opportunity to develop professionally. The company provides equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, or any other protected status. Sweetgreen also actively supports employees with benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, parental leave, and opportunities for advancement. The company is registered with the federal government's E-Verify to ensure employment eligibility and is committed to accommodating employees as permitted by law.

The role of Culinary Lead, known internally as Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen, is a crucial position focused on maintaining and enhancing food quality within the kitchen. This role is more than a typical kitchen position as it emphasizes leadership through example rather than people management. The Culinary Lead is responsible for overseeing how the food is prepped, cooked, and presented during every shift, ensuring that the high standards of flavor, safety, and presentation are consistently met. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about culinary excellence and enjoy taking ownership of food quality and kitchen performance without the responsibilities of managing staff or scheduling.

Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, Sweetgreen kitchens do not use grills or fryers. Instead, the focus is on fresh, smart systems that enable the delivery of high-quality, nutritious food efficiently and safely. The Culinary Lead uses knives, kitchen tools, and ovens to prepare and cook food without the risks associated with open flames or fryer oil. They serve as the primary resource for food execution, providing coaching and real-time feedback to teammates to improve techniques and consistency.

The Culinary Lead manages prep timing and inventory levels to anticipate the volume and maintain smooth kitchen operations throughout shifts. Collaboration with Shift Leaders and Managers is essential to uphold food safety standards, cleanliness, and operational excellence. This position offers a clear career path, with top-performing Kitchen Leads often advancing to General Manager roles within two to three years. Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environments—whether in fast casual, quick-service restaurants, full service, or corporate dining—will find this role particularly rewarding.

Sweetgreen provides competitive wages along with tips in eligible locations. Employees enjoy benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance options available to both part-time and full-time team members, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and a free meal with every shift. Additionally, Sweetgreen offers a 401(k) plan and access to a team member merchandise shop where employees can earn and purchase custom company gear. This role is designed for culinary enthusiasts who seek leadership opportunities without the burden of full people management and want to be part of a progressive company dedicated to changing the fast food industry for the better.