Sweetgreen Expands Nationwide, Bringing Fresh, Sustainably Sourced Meals to the Carolinas

Sweetgreen, the restaurant brand known for connecting people to real, healthy food, has announced the opening of its first North Carolina location in Uptown Charlotte.

Situated in the One Independence Center, the new 2,479-square-foot establishment marks a significant step in the brand’s nationwide expansion, aiming to introduce its mission-driven menu to the community of North Carolina. The restaurant will offer an inviting space for up to 42 diners indoors and 26 on its patio.

“We’re so grateful for the warm welcome and excitement around Sweetgreen coming to North Carolina to join the Queen City,” said Jonathan Neman, Co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, expressing his enthusiasm for the restaurant’s debut in the region. “As we expand across the Carolinas, we’re looking forward to teaming up with local partners in the Southeast to serve fresh, delicious meals to the community.” Sweetgreen’s expansion into Charlotte represents not only the brand’s growth but also its commitment to supporting local suppliers and offering fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Sweetgreen, since its inception, has focused on prioritizing quality and sustainability. The menu is built around freshly prepared salads, warm bowls, protein plates, and sides, with popular items like the Harvest Bowl and Crispy Rice Bowl leading its offerings.

For those seeking more protein-packed choices, the Miso Glazed Salmon and Steakhouse Chopped are among the favored selections. In keeping with its philosophy of clean eating and healthy communities, the restaurant sources ingredients that are not only delicious but also nourishing, supporting a healthy lifestyle for its customers.

The launch of Sweetgreen’s Charlotte location coincides with the restaurant’s introduction of its seasonal fall menu.

According to a press release, three limited-time-only items have been added to celebrate autumn flavors. These new options feature air-fried Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, which appear in the Autumn Harvest Bowl, Maple Glazed Brussels + Chicken protein plate, and Maple Glazed Brussels + Sweet Potatoes side. Notably, the restaurant has sourced several key ingredients from local North Carolina suppliers, including goat cheese from Goat Lady Dairy and sweet potatoes from Randall Watkins of Watkins Farms.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Sweetgreen and bring our farm-fresh goat cheese to fans of their popular menu,” said Carrie Bradds, Owner of Goat Lady Dairy. “At Goat Lady Dairy, we share Sweetgreen’s passion for connecting people to high-quality ingredients that both taste and look amazing. We can’t wait for the Charlotte community to enjoy the perfect pairing of our creamy goat cheese with Sweetgreen’s signature flavors.” Such collaborations with local farms and producers underscore Sweetgreen’s dedication to community partnerships and supporting regional agriculture.

As part of its community-centered approach, Sweetgreen has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina for its grand opening. This organization plays a significant role in addressing food insecurity, serving over 950 partner agencies across 24 counties, 14 in North Carolina and 10 in South Carolina. For every meal purchased on opening day, Sweetgreen will donate a meal to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, reinforcing its mission to make a positive impact on the local community.

The grand opening event, held on September 30, will celebrate Sweetgreen’s entry into North Carolina with an array of festivities. Guests are invited to partake in a day of giveaways and community enjoyment, with activities taking place from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Attendees can expect customized trucker hats from Girl Tribe Co, a special ice cream flavor inspired by Sweetgreen from Golden Cow Creamery, and Sweetgreen coffee mugs, all available while supplies last.

Convenience is also at the forefront of Sweetgreen’s customer experience. For those opting for pick-up or delivery, orders can be placed via the website or through the Sweetgreen app. The Uptown Charlotte location, found at 101 North Tryon Street, Suite 101, will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) has grown from its initial 560-square-foot location to over 230 establishments nationwide.