Sustainable sourcing can seem like table stakes in today’s market, not a way to get ahead. But a look under the hood at Sweetgreen shows how going green with grassfed beef leads to sales and growth. The system-wide launch of Caramelized Garlic Steak at Sweetgreen earlier this year came after a widely successful test in the Boston market. Part of the goal of offering beef for the first time ever was to increase dinnertime traffic and sales, and broaden the chain’s appeal to more men – consider that goal scored! Same store sales were up 9% during the quarter of the launch, and dinner sales made up 40% of the mix.
The decision to add grass-fed, pasture raised beef is also very much on-brand, according to co-founder and chief concept officer Nicolas Jammet in a LinkedIn post:
“It aligns with our dedication to regenerative agriculture, promoting environmental benefits such as enhanced land management and carbon sequestration. With a deep commitment to animal welfare and sourcing from farmers who rear their animals in the most carbon efficient manner, finding the Sweetgreen way to source steak in our restaurants took time, but we believe that doing it the right way is always worth the effort.”
It’s worth stating that choosing to go grassfed only makes sense because it’s delicious! Sweetgreen chef Chad Brauze developed the recipe for Caramelized Garlic Steak using a tri-tip cut seasoned with a garlic-spice blend, then roasted to achieve a deep caramelized char on the outside and a juicy, tender center inside. Then it’s tossed with caramelized, house-roasted garlic and onions for another layer of flavor, ready for a protein plate, salad or bowl.
It just so happens that Australia is a major source for the delicious grassfed steak at Sweetgreen. It makes sense - with decades of experience producing top-quality grassfed beef for export around the world, sourcing from Down Under is a natural fit…especially as Sweetgreen continues unit and sales growth year over year.
To find a grassfed beef source for your operation, try our find a supplier tool!