Exclusive: Sweetgreen brings its first East Coast drive-thru to McLean on Aug. 20
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The Sweetgreen in McLean is getting a new Sweetlane drive-thru. Photo: Courtesy Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen's next big bet: the 'burbs.
Why it matters: Sweetgreen built its D.C.-born brand around millennials and downtown professionals. Nearly 20 years later, the homegrown chain says its future looks more like McLean.
- Its newest concept — launching Aug. 20 — is the region's first "Sweetlane," a drive-thru pickup that reflects how people eat today: on the go and often outside the city.
What they're saying: "Most drive-thru restaurants are not the healthiest or cleanest," co-founder Nicolas Jammet tells Axios. "It's exciting to bring something that's delicious but also healthy and accessible."
The big picture: Sweetgreen has quietly crossed a milestone.
- More of its nearly 300 restaurants are now in the 'burbs versus city centers, Jammet says.
- McLean marks the company's fourth Sweetlane — and the first on the East Coast. The concept debuted outside Chicago in 2022.
How it works: Sweetlane isn't a traditional drive-thru.
- Customers order ahead in the Sweetgreen app, then pull through to pick up their food — an extension of a company where digital revenue accounts for over 65% of sales.
Yes, but: Jammet says the goal isn't just another drive-thru chain — though Sweetgreen is battling the likes of Starbucks and Chipotle for car-friendly locations.
- Customers can still watch ingredients being prepped and bowls assembled through Sweetlane windows — a nod to the transparency that's long been part of the brand.
- Behind the scenes, some Sweetlanes also feature Sweetgreen's Infinite Kitchen, an automated assembly system that builds bowls while employees focus on prepping ingredients and helping customers.
What's new: Sweetgreen is trying to give customers more reasons, beyond bowls, to visit.
- The chain is working to rebound from slowing same-store sales and thinner restaurant profits by rolling out new menu items — think steak, fries and wraps — chef collaborations and more wallet-friendly options.
- New this week: A trendy tinned seafood collab with Fishwife — a limited-run tuna niçoise.
What's next: Sweetgreen's founders, who met at Georgetown University, are preparing to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary next year while continuing what Jammet calls "disciplined" growth into markets such as Nashville, Arkansas and Salt Lake City.
- For the big 2-0, don't discount a return to their roots — or maybe a Sweetlife festival? "We're planning some fun stuff that might reference those things," says Jammet.
If you go: 6220 Old Dominion Drive, McLean (in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center)