Sweetgreen adds a drive-thru lane to its Infinite Kitchen model for the first time
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Sweetgreen might have announced the sale of robotics company, Spyce, to Wonder last week, but the fast-casual chain is still doubling down on technology innovation. This week, the Washington, D.C.-based salad chain announced the first-ever "Sweetlane" drive-thru attached to a fully automated Infinite Kitchen, which will be opening in Costa Mesa, Calif. on Nov. 18.
Customers can place orders in advance through the Sweetgreen app or website and pick them up directly in the drive-thru lane. While Infinite Kitchen models are famously automated in the kitchen, at the upcoming Costa Mesa location, employees will be on hand to ensure each order is dropped off on time to the right customer. The store will also feature dine-in seating and in-store pickup.
"We launched Sweetlane to meet our digital customers where they are: busy, mobile, and looking for better access to real food," Chris Tarrant, Sweetgreen chief development officer said in a statement. "As we expand the format across new markets, Costa Mesa represents an exciting next step in our journey to make healthy eating more convenient and accessible, without compromising on quality or experience."
Earlier this week, Sweetgreen announced the launch of a new macros tracking tool in response to the increased interest in protein among consumers. The new feature, available across all digital platforms, allows customers to view protein, carbohydrate, and fat information for all Sweetgreen menu items and uses a real-time calculator so consumers can see how their meal's nutritional balance shifts with each ingredient addition or subtraction.
"At Sweetgreen, we're always looking for ways to use technology to support personalization and to better serve our customers," Wouleta Ayele, Sweetgreen chief technology officer said in a statement. "The new macro tracking tool is designed to give guests more transparency and control, helping them make choices that fit their goals and enhance their everyday lives."
Sweetgreen has been touting protein-focused nutrition lately, announcing that the brand's menu now has nine entrees with 30 grams or more of protein.
Sweetgreen operates 266 locations nationally.
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