Sweetgreen co-founder Nathaniel Ru to step down

Sweetgreen, the fast-casual restaurant chain known for healthy and sustainable meals, is making major changes in 2025. The company, which operates over 280 locations across 150 cities, has announced a leadership shift and plans to expand its automated Infinite Kitchen model. Meanwhile, financial struggles continue, with same-store sales dropping by 9.6% in the third quarter.

Nathaniel Ru, who co-founded Sweetgreen in 2007 alongside Jonathan Neman and Nicolas Jammet, will step down as Chief Brand Officer on January 1, 2026. He will remain on the company’s board but has not provided detailed reasons for his departure. Zipporah Allen, the Chief Commercial Officer since September 2025, will take over his responsibilities.

The company is also facing financial challenges. Its stock price has plummeted by over 80% in 2025, and Sweetgreen has yet to turn a profit since going public. Same-store sales fell by 9.6% in the third quarter, driven by an 11.7% decline in customer traffic and product mix. To improve its value perception, Sweetgreen is focusing on larger protein portions and better ingredient quality. The chain has been promoting its suppliers to highlight fresh, locally sourced produce. Expansion plans include opening 18 Infinite Kitchen locations in 2025, with the first featuring a drive-thru option.

Sweetgreen’s leadership change comes as the company works to stabilise its finances and improve customer appeal. The new Infinite Kitchen model and ingredient-focused marketing aim to boost sales. Despite ongoing losses, the brand remains committed to its mission of accessible, healthy, and sustainable food.