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Sweetgreen

All articles tagged with #sweetgreen

Cyclospora Outbreak Deepens Salad-Chain Slump After Official Control Claim
business25 days ago

Cyclospora Outbreak Deepens Salad-Chain Slump After Official Control Claim

A multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico has intensified after officials claimed it was under control, with CDC/FDA tallies showing about 6,358 illnesses across 15 states (278 hospitalizations, 2 deaths) and FDA estimates exceeding 10,000 sickened nationwide. The outbreak has crushed restaurant sales, with Salad and Go filing for Chapter 11, Sweetgreen cutting full-year guidance, and chains like Chopt and Chipotle facing sales pressure, while some non-iceberg-lettuce chains also feel fallout as consumer trust in the produce aisle remains fragile.

Sweetgreen sinks on Cyclospora fears and jalapeño recall, trimming outlook
business28 days ago

Sweetgreen sinks on Cyclospora fears and jalapeño recall, trimming outlook

Sweetgreen’s shares slid about 8% as customers avoided its salads amid a cyclospora outbreak, and the chain proactively removed jalapeños after a separate salmonella incident. In its earnings update, the company cut its full-year adjusted EBITDA loss to roughly $23–$27 million and warned same-store sales could fall 7%–8%, worse than prior guidance, with Q2 comps down about 6.2% and the stock down roughly 30% since mid-July.

Sweetgreen trims 2026 outlook as cyclospora fears dent salad sales
business29 days ago

Sweetgreen trims 2026 outlook as cyclospora fears dent salad sales

Sweetgreen cut its 2026 outlook after consumer concern about fresh produce amid the cyclospora outbreak, forecasting same-store-sales to fall 7%–8% (versus prior 2%–4%) and adjusted EBITDA to -$23 million to -$27 million. Shares dropped over 15% after hours. The outbreak has not linked Sweetgreen to contaminated iceberg lettuce, though broader demand for fresh salads has weakened across the restaurant sector; Taco Bell is the only major chain linked to the outbreak. The company also reported a weaker-than-expected Q2 result and noted that the pace of recovery remains uncertain.

Greens in Jeopardy: Cyclosporiasis Sparks Slowdowns at Chipotle and Friends
business1 month ago

Greens in Jeopardy: Cyclosporiasis Sparks Slowdowns at Chipotle and Friends

A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to bagged greens is pressuring sales at major fast-casual chains like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Cava, with Yum! Brands and other players feeling the impact. Consumers are avoiding raw produce, opting for cooked greens or non-green meals, and many restaurants are adjusting sourcing and prep. Anecdotal reports show mixed traffic—some spots see slower foot traffic while others remain busy—pointing to a short-term shift away from greens in work lunches and grocery produce purchases as safety concerns persist.

Fast Food Chains and the Economy: What's Behind the Decline?
business1 year ago

Fast Food Chains and the Economy: What's Behind the Decline?

The article explores why chains like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Cava are experiencing slumping sales, highlighting that despite their fresh and flavorful food, their core issue is perceived value. Chipotle remains the most filling and cost-effective, while Cava offers exciting flavors at a higher price, and Sweetgreen's salads, though tasty, are seen as less valuable for the price. The shift in consumer expectations towards more filling, affordable meals is challenging these brands' traditional appeal, raising questions about their future strategies.

"Rival Salad Chain Threatens Sweetgreen's Quest to Become the 'McDonald's of its Generation'"
business2 years ago

"Rival Salad Chain Threatens Sweetgreen's Quest to Become the 'McDonald's of its Generation'"

Salad and Go, a salad chain founded in 2013, is rapidly expanding and could potentially surpass Sweetgreen in store count. With backing from a private equity firm, the chain offers affordable salads and has ambitious expansion plans. Its CEO, a former Wingstop executive, aims to compete with fast-food restaurants by offering healthy and affordable options. The chain's unique business model, with small drive-thru locations and centralized commissary kitchens, has allowed for rapid expansion. Salad and Go aims to own thousands of restaurants and is considering all options, including an initial public offering, for its future growth.

"Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Exposes Daily Use of N-Word by Sweetgreen Managers in New York"
discrimination3 years ago

"Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Exposes Daily Use of N-Word by Sweetgreen Managers in New York"

Ten employees of Sweetgreen have filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the salad chain, alleging that they were subjected to daily use of racial slurs and other racist comments by their co-workers and managers at seven of its New York City restaurants. The lawsuit also claims that managers failed to hire or promote qualified Black employees, gave preferential treatment to Hispanic workers, and ignored complaints made to upper management. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary and punitive damages, as well as payment of attorneys' fees. Sweetgreen has not yet responded to the allegations.

Workers File Lawsuit Against Sweetgreen Alleging Racial Discrimination at 7 NYC Locations
business3 years ago

Workers File Lawsuit Against Sweetgreen Alleging Racial Discrimination at 7 NYC Locations

Ten employees of Sweetgreen have filed a lawsuit against the salad chain, alleging racial discrimination at seven of its New York City restaurants. The plaintiffs claim that they were subjected to racist comments and the use of racial slurs by co-workers and managers. They also allege that Black employees were not hired or promoted, while Hispanic workers received preferential treatment. The lawsuit further accuses managers of sexually harassing female workers. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary and punitive damages, as well as payment of attorneys' fees. Sweetgreen has not yet responded to the allegations.

Sweetgreen Adds Culinary and Marketing Experts to Leadership Team
business3 years ago

Sweetgreen Adds Culinary and Marketing Experts to Leadership Team

Sweetgreen, the fast-casual restaurant brand, has announced the appointment of Chad Brauze as head of culinary and Michael Kotick as VP and head of marketing. Both executives bring extensive experience from their previous roles at Chipotle and will play key roles in menu development, marketing, and scaling the business. Sweetgreen currently operates over 200 locations in the U.S.

Shift in Customer Behavior: Cava and Sweetgreen Witness Decline in Delivery Orders
business3 years ago

Shift in Customer Behavior: Cava and Sweetgreen Witness Decline in Delivery Orders

Fast-casual chains Cava and Sweetgreen are experiencing a decline in delivery orders as customers opt to pick up their own food, indicating a trend towards more budget-conscious dining. Delivery orders tend to be more expensive due to added fees and tips, making pick-up orders a cost-saving option. While this shift benefits consumers, it can impact restaurants' revenue as delivery orders typically have higher totals. Sweetgreen reported weaker-than-expected sales in Q2, partly due to the decline in delivery transactions, while Cava's full-year forecast is cautious. Even Chipotle saw a drop in delivery service revenue. However, third-party delivery companies like Uber and DoorDash continue to see strong demand.

"Sweetgreen Introduces $10 Monthly Membership for Discounts and Delivery Perks"
food3 years ago

"Sweetgreen Introduces $10 Monthly Membership for Discounts and Delivery Perks"

Sweetgreen has launched a $10 monthly subscription program called Sweetpass+ that offers daily $3 off one entrée and free delivery once a month after 4pm, among other perks. For those who eat at Sweetgreen three times or less a month, there is a free version of the program that includes rewards and challenges to gain even more perks, a birthday gift, and special access to online-only exclusives. The program is part of Sweetgreen's initiative to boost sales growth after suffering from lower-than-expected numbers earlier this year due to the pandemic.

Sweetgreen narrows losses and aims for profitability in Q1 2023.
business3 years ago

Sweetgreen narrows losses and aims for profitability in Q1 2023.

Sweetgreen reported a narrower-than-expected loss in Q1 2022, with net sales climbing 22% YoY to $125.1 million and same-store sales rising 5%. The salad chain is aiming to turn a profit for the first time by 2024 and is taking a more conservative approach to entering new markets, cutting support-center costs, and simplifying its management structure. Digital transactions accounted for 61% of sales, down slightly from a year earlier, and the company plans to open between 30 to 35 new locations in 2023, including two restaurants with automated kitchens.