TUSTIN, Calif.—Dozens of customers flocked to the newly opened Sweetgreen restaurant during the chain’s grand opening Aug. 22.
To celebrate its new location, the chain offered free flower bouquets to all stopping by, regardless of purchase, as well as live music, and free samples.
For every meal sold on opening day, the restaurant company also donated a meal to Food Finders, a local nonprofit aimed at reducing hunger in Southern California.
Opening day festivities lasted from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., during which time the chain also hosted free giveaways including coffee, custom cookies, and beaded bracelets.
There was also an artwork giveaway from Southern California-based painter and ceramicist Danielle Hutchens who created artwork for the restaurant depicting abstracts of locally grown ingredients.
“This place is very modern but with more of a California feel,” customer Anna Ferguson told The Epoch Times. “I was always impressed with [Sweetgreen’s] salads, they’re such a popular thing in L.A.”
Ms. Ferguson, who ordered a barbecue chicken salad, said she first tried Sweetgreen 15 years ago at their Washington D.C. location near Georgetown University.
“It’s changed a lot since then, they really upped their look. And it’s a competitive price point,” she said.
The chain is known for its healthy grab-and-go salad bowls, which are priced in the $13 to $14 range.
Offerings include elote corn salad with organic sweet corn, arugula, toasted sunflowers, and cherry tomatoes, topped with a lemon vinaigrette. Other options include warm salad bowls featuring sweet potato, garbanzo beans, and blackened chicken.
According to the restaurant, most of its ingredients are organically sourced with a farm-to-table model in which seasonal produce is listed inside the restaurant on a handwritten sign.
“We source from farmers we know and partners we trust. Our ingredients are organic and locally sourced whenever possible,” the newly minted sign reads as customers wait in line to place their orders at the counter.
The new location boasts 2,400 square feet which can accommodate 16 diners inside and over 30 outside on the restaurant’s patio.
“This place is so legit,” customer Andrew Fitzgerald told The Epoch Times as he waited in line. “I’ve been waiting for one to open nearby so I could come during my lunch break so I’m stoked.”
Mr. Fitzgerald, who lives in Santa Ana, said he first tried Sweetgreen during a visit to one of their Los Angeles-based locations and “knew [he] had to come back.” Among his favorites from the chain are the “crisp” salad toppings including toasted rice, salty sunflower seeds, and long list of dressings.
“They make salad like your favorite meal of the day. I even crave it after working out and don’t have to feel guilty about ruining my progress or anything,” he said.
Founded in 2006 by then Georgetown University students Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru, and Jonathan Neman, who said they came up with the idea after growing tired of the campus’s unhealthy and “boring” meals. The start-up, which began in the student’s dorm, has since grown to more than 160 locations nationwide.
The now Los Angeles-based chain opened its first Orange County location in Irvine in July.
Those looking to visit the chain’s new Tustin location can do so at The Village at Tustin Legacy at 15090 Kensington Park Dr.
