Sweetgreen Rolls Out a Plan That Could Push Pay for Its Top Restaurant Managers Past $200,000

Sweetgreen says a new incentive plan could lift pay for some restaurant managers above $200,000 a year, Fox Business reports.

The plan. The Los Angeles-based chain, which runs 289 locations, announced Tuesday a "head coach" incentive program. It rewards restaurant managers based on tenure, restaurant size and performance with higher salaries, sales-based bonuses and company equity. Top performers with at least three years at Sweetgreen who run its highest-volume restaurants could earn more than $200,000 in total compensation, counting base salary, a revenue-share bonus and equity. It takes effect in the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

Why. Chief Operating Officer Jason Cochran told Fox Business the plan is part of "2027 strategic investments around operational excellence." "We all are competing for the best talent," he said, adding that restaurants spend heavily on finding candidates and can forget about keeping their best workers.

Career paths. Cochran pointed to a New York City manager who started washing dishes at Sweetgreen six years ago. Sweetgreen also has a restaurateur program for top managers, who get added training and mentorship and a $10,000 bonus for each employee they develop into a head coach.

The pricing push. Fox notes the pay plan comes as Sweetgreen tries to shed its reputation for expensive salads. In May it launched four wraps, each under $15 and averaging about $12.50. CFO Jamie McConnell told The Wall Street Journal the lower starting prices are meant to change how people see the brand.

Note for readers: the $200,000 figure is a ceiling for a narrow group of managers, as described by the company, and Fox does not say how many would qualify.