Sweetgreen Waves Goodbye to Ripple Fries in New Cost-Saving Shift

Changes at Sweetgreen

Key Moves Unveiled

• Sweetgreen is discontinuing Ripple Fries just five months after their debut, citing operational complexity and soft demand.
• The salad chain posted a 7–8% drop in same-store sales, followed by a dramatic 23% plunge in its stock price—its biggest one-day fall yet.
• To counteract these challenges, Sweetgreen is boosting portions of chicken and tofu by 25%, enhancing their chicken and salmon recipes, and offering $13 member-exclusive salads as value options.
• The company is also cutting approximately 10% of its California support staff as part of broader cost-saving and efficiency efforts.

Why It Matters To The Company

• Simplifying operations: Removing Ripple Fries helps reduce kitchen complexity, allowing teams to better focus on streamlined service amid tough financial results.
• Financial pressure: The chain reported a net loss of over $23 million in Q2, up from $14.5 million last year, underscoring the urgency of the changes.
• Future strategy: With investments now shifted to staples—salads, proteins, value offerings, and streamlined staffing—Sweetgreen aims to reclaim customer confidence and stabilize its outlook.

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