Sweetgreen’s First ‘Sweetlane’ Opens in Illinois

Drive-thru guests can observe team members preparing orders through a round observation window. Courtesy of Sweetgreen.

Sweetgreen announced the opening of its first Sweetlane prototype, a new format the brand unveiled in March that aims to unlock a frictionless experience for digital customers.

Located in Schaumburg, Ill., the new restaurant incorporates an advanced order vehicle pickup window—much like Chipotle Mexican Grill’s Chipotlane—allowing customers who place orders through Sweetgreen’s website or app to pick up their items in the drive-thru. Customers can watch team members prepare orders through a round observation window as they wait.

The freestanding store also features unique design elements on all sides, including a “continuous green dip” around the building, a large-scale mural by Chicago artist Cody Hudson and architectural awning details. Dine-in and pickup inside the restaurant also are available.

The store features seating for dine-in guests. Courtesy of Sweetgreen.

Located at 1320 N. Meacham Road, the new restaurant, with a grand opening set for Nov. 15, marks the first of the Sweetlane fleet. It also serves as the over 175-unit brand’s latest iteration of its evolving restaurant experience as it tests new formats “to meet customers where they are.”

Earlier this year, Sweetgreen began piloting its first digital-only pickup location in Washington D.C. to better support its growing digital revenue. Sweetgreen said in May that such revenue accounted for two-thirds of its sales last year.