Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen announced Wednesday that it will open its first “sweetlane,” a restaurant with a drive-thru pickup lane, in Schaumburg, Ill., within the next year.
“We are always innovating to provide more convenience for our customers, which is why we’re excited about our first sweetlane concept in Schaumburg,” said Sweetgreen co-founder and chief concept officer Nicolas Jammet in a statement. “Digital customers are our most habitual users and we believe this new format will provide us with more options to connect people to real food.”
At this pilot store, customers will place an order through the brand’s digital app or website. In-store pickup and dine-in will be available in addition to drive-thru pickup.
Takeout and dine-in orders may be placed inside the restaurant, while the drive-thru will be pickup only.
During its fourth quarter earnings call, Sweetgreen said that in 2021, 46% of total revenue came from its own digital channels.
“Our goal is to be as ubiquitous as traditional fast food,” CEO Jonathan Neman said at the time.
The sweetlane unit will also have a glass observation window to allow customers to watch their food being prepared from their cars.
The new restaurant will be located at 1320 N. Meacham Road and the opening date and hours of operation have yet to be disclosed.