Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand committed to fostering healthier communities through connecting people with real, nutritious food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has transformed the concept of fast food by championing fresh, flavorful meals rooted in sustainable relationships with farmers and local communities. As the company continues to expand across the United States, it places a strong emphasis on personal and professional development of its team members across both restaurant locations and support centers. Joining Sweetgreen means becoming part of a mission-driven movement dedicated to creating spaces where food, people, and purpose intersect, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees regardless of background or identity.

The Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, is an essential role focused on food quality and kitchen operations. Unlike traditional kitchen roles with grills and fryers, Sweetgreen kitchens feature smart systems designed to efficiently produce meals made right without compromising on health or taste. This role is not a people management position but instead centers on ownership of food preparation, cooking, and presentation standards. Culinary Leads set the gold standard every shift by leading through craft, consistent execution, and peer coaching. The position supports smooth kitchen operations by managing prep timing, maintaining par levels, and quickly addressing food quality issues.

As the food quality expert on shift, the Culinary Lead partners closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to ensure adherence to food safety protocols, cleanliness, and operational excellence. The role offers a leadership opportunity for individuals who love hands-on kitchen work and desire responsibility without full people management duties such as scheduling or performance reviews. High-performing Culinary Leads can expect growth opportunities, including a clear path to becoming a General Manager within 2 to 3 years. Sweetgreen also offers competitive wages, benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and additional perks such as free meals, a team merchandise shop, and 401(k) options depending on eligibility. This position requires candidates to be comfortable working on their feet and meeting physical requirements related to food handling and safety standards, emphasizing a commitment to consistent quality and kitchen excellence.