On August 1, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG), the popular fast-casual restaurant brand known for its commitment to real food and community-driven values, is inviting fans to celebrate the 18th anniversary of one of its most iconic and beloved menu items — the Guacamole Greens salad, affectionately nicknamed “Guac Greens.” More than just a signature dish, Guac Greens represents the very beginnings of Sweetgreen’s journey, embodying the brand’s original mission of combining craveable flavor with healthy, sustainable food options.
A Salad That Started It All
Launched in 2007 when Sweetgreen was still a fledgling concept operating out of a modest 560-square-foot space, Guacamole Greens was among the earliest examples of the company’s innovative approach to food. The dish, which features a colorful medley of roasted chicken, grape tomatoes, crispy tortilla chips, chopped greens, ripe avocado, and a zesty lime cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette, quickly became a fan favorite. A final squeeze of fresh lime ties it all together — a nod to the guacamole that inspired the creation in the first place.
Initially known as “Guac Deconstructed,” the salad was born out of co-founder Nicolas Jammet’s love for guacamole and his desire to bring its core flavors into a wholesome, salad-based format. “How do you take those beloved ingredients and transform them into a salad to get the guac experience?” Jammet once asked. The answer became a lasting staple on the menu and a blueprint for Sweetgreen’s culinary ethos: simple ingredients, big flavor, and thoughtful sourcing.
Staying True to Its Roots, Even As It Grows
Though Sweetgreen has expanded dramatically in the 18 years since Guac Greens made its debut — growing from one small shop to a national brand with a wide-ranging menu — the salad has remained a core offering. While minor updates have been introduced over the years, such as extra chicken or ingredient tweaks to enhance taste and nutrition, the original spirit of the dish remains unchanged.
“Guac Greens continues to resonate because it’s Sweetgreen at our best,” said Jammet. “It reflects everything we stand for — flavor-forward food that’s nourishing, exciting, and rooted in transparency and sustainability.”
Guac Greens also stands as a symbol of how food innovation and integrity can go hand-in-hand. At a time when fast food was mostly associated with overly processed fare, Sweetgreen charted a different course. Jammet and his co-founders personally built a network of local suppliers, starting with visits to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market in Washington, D.C., where they introduced themselves to local growers and formed partnerships that would become foundational to their sourcing model.
“The market’s founder saw our passion and literally walked us booth to booth, introducing us to every single farmer,” Jammet recalled. “Many of those relationships have lasted for nearly two decades.”
Guac Greens: More Than Just a Meal
Today, Guac Greens is more than just a menu item — it’s a symbol of Sweetgreen’s unwavering commitment to real food, responsible sourcing, and community. The salad exemplifies the company’s “Win, Win, Win” philosophy: customers enjoy vibrant, fresh flavors; local farmers gain meaningful support and recognition for their hard work; and Sweetgreen grows its impact while staying grounded in purpose.
That philosophy has guided the company through years of innovation, expansion, and cultural relevance. It’s a blueprint that has helped Sweetgreen build not just a food business, but a food movement.
A Flavorful Birthday Celebration
To celebrate the salad that started it all and mark Sweetgreen’s 18-year milestone, the company is offering a special promotion exclusively for SG Rewards members. On August 1, in honor of Guac Greens’ anniversary — and just a day after National Avocado Day on July 31 — members can enjoy free avocado added to any entrée purchased through the Sweetgreen app, online at or in stores.
To take part in the promotion, customers simply need to sign up for the SG Rewards program by July 31 at 6 p.m. PDT. Once enrolled, they can redeem the avocado offer by scanning their SG app’s QR code at checkout or applying the discount during online checkout. The offer is available while supplies last and is limited to one redemption per customer. It cannot be used at self-service kiosks or through third-party delivery services.
In addition to unlocking this limited-time offer, SG Rewards members enjoy access to exclusive deals, promotions, and personalized experiences throughout the year. Signing up is free and easy via the Sweetgreen app, available on iOS and Android.
