On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Nicolas Jammet, Co-Founder and Chief Concept Officer of Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand redefining fast food with fresh, crave-worthy meals. Nicolas and his co-founders launched Sweetgreen in 2007, opening their very first location in Georgetown just three months after graduating college. What started as a single salad shop has grown into a nationally recognized brand with hundreds of locations and a loyal following, all built on a vision of making healthy food accessible and transparent.
In our conversation, Nicolas shares how Sweetgreen nearly ran out of money in the early months, the turning point that showed him the concept could scale, and how he’s balanced innovation with operational rigor. We dive into the role of technology in shaping Sweetgreen’s growth, the challenge of scaling culture across hundreds of restaurants, and how the brand continues to stay ahead in a crowded marketplace. Nicolas also reflects on the toughest leadership lessons he’s faced and what he sees as the future of food, wellness, and Sweetgreen’s place in it.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone passionate about mission-driven business, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Nicolas’s journey and what it takes to build a category-defining brand. Now on The Kara Goldin Show.