Sweetgreen Marks Lower East Side Debut with Special Katz’s Delicatessen Pastrami Salad Collaboration
Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand renowned for connecting people to real, wholesome food, is set to create a truly memorable culinary moment in New York City’s Lower East Side. On Saturday, October 18, from 12–3 p.m., the legendary Katz’s Delicatessen, an institution that has been a cornerstone of New York gastronomy since 1888, will pop up at Sweetgreen’s newly opened Lower East Side location at 167 Orchard Street. For this special event, Katz’s will showcase its iconic carving station, serving freshly sliced, steaming hot pastrami atop a unique Sweetgreen x Katz’s Deli “LES Pastrami Salad”, a collaboration that reimagines a beloved deli classic in true Sweetgreen style.
The LES Pastrami Salad blends the timeless flavors of Katz’s with Sweetgreen’s fresh, thoughtfully crafted approach. It features a base of crisp romaine and arugula, complemented by pickled red onion, juicy tomatoes, and fresh dill. At the heart of the salad is Katz’s hand-carved pastrami, paired with rye breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch and a house-cured pickle spear for a touch of tang. The finishing touch is Sweetgreen’s housemade Thousand Island dressing, crafted in-house to perfectly balance the flavors and bring the dish together. The result is a dish that evokes the classic Katz’s sandwich experience while offering a light, modern, and unexpected interpretation for salad lovers.
To make the event even more memorable, guests who purchase the LES Pastrami Salad in-store during the pop-up will receive an exclusive Sweetgreen x Katz’s Deli collaboration hat, a limited-edition collectible that celebrates the partnership. Hats are available while supplies last, with a limit of one per person, making this a true one-day-only keepsake for fans of both brands.
“New York has shaped Sweetgreen from the very first store we opened here, and partnering with Katz’s—a place built on craft, care, and timeless flavor—feels like coming full circle,” said Nicolas Jammet, Sweetgreen Co-Founder and Chief Concept Officer. “Both of our brands share a commitment to doing things the right way, even when it takes longer. This collaboration brings that shared love of real, high-quality food to life in a fresh, unexpected way, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience it firsthand.”
Jake Dell, owner of Katz’s Delicatessen, echoed this excitement: “The Lower East Side is home for us, so it made perfect sense to bring this collaboration with Sweetgreen to life right here. We love how they reimagined our classic pastrami sandwich as a fresh, flavorful salad. It’s a fun, new way to enjoy a Katz’s favorite while welcoming Sweetgreen to the neighborhood.”
This event also marks a significant milestone in Sweetgreen’s growth in New York City. The brand first opened its doors in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood 12 years ago, and since then, New York has grown into Sweetgreen’s largest market. Today, the city boasts 40 Sweetgreen locations, including three recent openings in Queens–Forest Hills, Brooklyn–Park Slope, and Manhattan–23rd & Park, with the Lower East Side location at 167 Orchard Street becoming restaurant No. 41 in NYC. This expansion underscores Sweetgreen’s deepening commitment to serving fresh, wholesome meals while contributing to the city’s dynamic and diverse food culture.
The collaboration between Sweetgreen and Katz’s exemplifies a thoughtful fusion of culinary traditions. Katz’s Delicatessen, a cornerstone of Jewish deli heritage, has been synonymous with quality pastrami and an enduring dedication to craftsmanship. Sweetgreen, meanwhile, is known for its emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients and innovative, health-conscious menu offerings. By bringing together Katz’s rich history and Sweetgreen’s modern culinary approach, the LES Pastrami Salad celebrates the best of both worlds: timeless flavors, carefully sourced ingredients, and an inventive twist that elevates the dining experience.
For fans eager to participate, the Sweetgreen x Katz’s collab bowl will be available exclusively during the event on October 18, from 12–3 p.m. at the Lower East Side location. Guests can enjoy the freshly carved pastrami while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Sweetgreen’s newest space in one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods.
In addition to enjoying the collaboration salad, attendees will have the chance to take home the exclusive Sweetgreen x Katz’s Deli hat, a collector-worthy item designed to commemorate this one-day-only partnership. Terms apply: The hat is available while supplies last, limited to one per person, and must be claimed in-store with proof of purchase of the LES Pastrami Salad. The offer is valid only at the Lower East Side location on October 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is non-transferable and has no cash value.
Sweetgreen’s partnership with Katz’s Delicatessen not only highlights the brand’s dedication to quality, local ingredients but also reinforces its mission to make real food accessible and enjoyable for all. By reimagining a classic deli favorite into a modern salad, Sweetgreen continues to demonstrate its creativity and commitment to culinary innovation while honoring the heritage and craftsmanship of one of New York City’s most beloved institutions.
As Sweetgreen cements its presence across the city, the Lower East Side location serves as both a celebration of its history in New York and a promise for the future. The collaboration with Katz’s Delicatessen is more than a culinary event—it’s a moment that bridges tradition and innovation, bringing together food lovers of all kinds to celebrate quality, flavor, and community.
Visitors to the event can expect not only a delicious, freshly prepared salad but also the chance to be part of a special, one-of-a-kind New York City experience. The LES Pastrami Salad and the exclusive collaboration hat embody the shared philosophy of both brands: to craft food that is thoughtful, memorable, and rooted in real ingredients.
Whether you are a long-time Katz’s fan, a devoted Sweetgreen follower, or simply a lover of great food, this one-day-only pop-up promises to be a highlight of the fall culinary calendar in New York City. With its combination of iconic deli flavor, fresh ingredients, and limited-edition memorabilia, the Sweetgreen x Katz’s Delicatessen collaboration is a celebration of what makes the city’s food scene vibrant, creative, and endlessly exciting.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18, 12–3 p.m., and head to 167 Orchard Street to experience this historic collaboration—where classic New York deli meets modern, mission-driven cuisine in a way that only Sweetgreen and Katz’s Delicatessen can deliver.
