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Sweetgreen Chief Operating Officer Rossann Williams has resigned from her post, effective April 16, according to a securities filing. Her resignation was the result of an agreement between Sweetgreen and Williams to end her employment, with no further details disclosed in the filing. The SEC filing did not indicate if the chain was looking for her replacement.
Williams became COO in February 2024, replacing Chris Carr, who left the company after two years. She oversaw operations, supply chain and real estate and development. She has transitioned into a consulting role and will advise the company through June 1.
Prior to Sweetgreen, Williams worked at Starbucks for more than 18 years, last holding the position of executive vice president of North America retail. In that position, she oversaw 16,000 locations and helped open thousands of new units and improve same-store sales.
During her tenure at Sweetgreen, the chain expanded its Infinite Kitchen model, ending 2024 with 12 Infinite Kitchens, CEO Jonathan Neman said during a February earnings call. These automated makelines have helped boost restaurant level margins and reduce turnover. The chain grew to 246 units with the opening of 25 new units, Neman said. Sweetgreen plans to open 40 restaurants this year, of which half will include an Infinite Kitchen.
Despite the accelerated growth, Sweetgreen continues to sustain losses. Last year, the brand’s net loss was $90.4 million, improving from a net loss of $113.4 million in 2023, according to an earnings release. Same-store sales grew 6% last year and average unit volumes remained at $2.9 million.
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