Automation is the future of fast food: Sweetgreen co-founder

Most in the fast food industry have had a challenging 2024. Many players such as McDonald’s have jacked up prices to compensate for higher worker wages, especially in California. That has sent consumers back to preparing their food at home in a bid to save money. Meantime, ingredient inflation has remained stubborn. Then there is Sweetgreen, which has notched several quarters of solid sales as its higher income diner embraces new menu items. The company has also stayed aggressive in opening new locations, while beginning to add robot food making machines to certain sites. Yahoo Finance executive editor Brian Sozzi talks with Sweetgreen co-founder and chief concept officer Nicolas Jammet. Sweetgreen has returned to stock market darling status after falling out of favor post a sizzling 2021 IPO. Jammet reveals his plans for Sweetgreen, and how a move to put robots in restaurants could unlock major growth for the company.

Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid, brings you a high-octane take on the freshest analyst calls, wildest stock moves and shrewdest commentary in the business world. Executive Editor Brian Sozzi puts Wall Street's finest through their paces in this essential conversation for every investor - before the stock market opens.

Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Opening Bid at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/opening-bid/.

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00:00-Nicolas Jammet joins Opening Bid

01:30-Sweetgreen founded by college friends

04:45-Reimagine fast food

11:30-Infinite kitchen evolution

17:20-Metrics on expansion

Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid is hosted by Brian Sozzi, and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky.

Nicolas Jammet is the co-founder and chief concept officer of Sweetgreen. Having grown up in a NYC mom-and-pop restaurant set him up for a passionate future in food.

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