A trendy nationwide farm-to-table restaurant chain known for its chef-crafted salads, warm grain bowls, and "protein-forward plates" is opening its first Northeast Florida restaurant in Jacksonville.
Sweetgreen will debut Sept. 15 at 4624 Town Crossing Drive, No. 113, at the St. Johns Town Center. The new restaurant neighbors Chicken Salad Chick, Paris Baguette
and Smoothie King in the regional shopping center.Sweetgreen menu highlights
Here's a look at some of Sweetgreen's signature menu offerings, including seasonal items.
- Autumn Harvest Bowl: Antibiotic-free roasted chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, roasted almonds, wild rice, organic shredded kale and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Caramel Garlic Steak Plate: Antibiotic-free grass-fed caramelized garlic steak, warm roasted sweet potatoes, spicy broccoli, tomatoes, wild rice and pesto vinaigrette.
- Maple Glazed Salmon Plate: Antibiotic-free Miso-glazed salmon with maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, warm roasted sweet potatoes, Napa cabbage slaw, white rice and garlic aioli.
- Omega Glow Bowl: Miso-glazed salmon, romaine lettuce, white rice, corn salsa, carrots, cabbage, cilantro, almonds, and Miso Sesame Ginger Dressing.
- Chicken Avocado Ranch Bowl: Blackened chicken, avocado, pickled onions, apples, garlic breadcrumbs, white rice, chopped romaine, green goddess ranch.
- Shroomami: Roasted tofu, warm portobello mushroom mix, cucumbers, basil, shredded cabbage, roasted almonds, wild rice, organic shredded kale and Miso sesame ginger.
- Chicken Sesame Crunch Wrap: Antibiotic-free roasted chicken, napa cabbage slaw, sesame crunch, crispy noodles, shredded cabbage, raw carrots, organic shredded kale, chopped romaine and citrus sesame vinaigrette, wrapped in an olive oil tortilla.
- Cali Chicken Club Wrap: Antibiotic-free roasted chicken, chopped romaine, crumbled bacon, garlic breadcrumbs, tomatoes, avocado and garlic aioli wrapped in an olive oil tortilla.
Sweetgreen side dishes include Rosemary Focaccia, Hummus + Focaccia and Roasted Sweet Potatoes + Dip, according to its online menu.
Sweetgreen expansion
Founded in November 2006, Sweetgreen opened its first restaurant in August 2007 in Washington, D.C. As it grew, the chain
relocated in 2016 to Los Angeles, Calif.
Sweetgreen lists 281 restaurants across 27 states. In Florida, the chain lists 12 locations, including St. Johns Town Center, according to its website.
At St. Johns Town Center, the restaurant took over and renovated the space formerly used by Noodles & Company, which closed in March after 10 years.
The buildout of the 2,560-square-foot restaurant was estimated at $700,000, according to a May 4 city building permit.
Sweetgreen, licensed for up to 149 seats, will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Grand opening festivities
The grand opening day celebration will feature "special treats and activations" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15.
The planned festivities include a VW Bus Photo Booth with Good Times Roll, a Custom Surfboard Sweepstakes with @artsea_alexx and Fresh Cut Fruit from @fruit.float, while supplies last, according to a news release announcing the restaurant opening.
In addition, for every meal purchased on opening day, Sweetgreen will donate a meal to the Clara White Mission "to nourish communities in Jacksonville experiencing food insecurity."
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Sweetgreen farm-to-table restaurant opening at St. Johns Town Center
