Sweetgreen, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has opened a new location on Capitol Hill in Seattle that features a unique automation technology called the “Infinite Kitchen.” This large stainless steel and glass device is responsible for assembling orders with precision and speed, allowing for portion consistency and cost control. Developed in-house by Sweetgreen, the Infinite Kitchen is designed to streamline the order process and improve the quality of the work experience for employees. The technology is part of a growing trend in the restaurant industry, where chains are turning to robotics and automation to address rising labor costs.
The Infinite Kitchen at Sweetgreen can churn out 500 orders in an hour, making it a valuable asset for the restaurant’s operations. Beyond its speed and efficiency, the machine also enhances the work experience for employees by eliminating repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more engaging aspects of their job, such as hospitality and culinary skills. The restaurant’s management believes in the potential of this technology and plans to incorporate it into more locations in the future, as well as explore retrofit strategies for existing restaurants.
Customers at Sweetgreen can order salads, grain bowls, and protein plates through the restaurant’s app or by using touchscreen tablets at the front counter. Orders are sent directly to the Infinite Kitchen, where more than 40 tubes dispense ingredients into the proper containers based on the specifics of each order. The machine utilizes a “smart track” system to move the bowls through the assembly process, ensuring that ingredients are added accurately and efficiently. Employees are responsible for stocking ingredient bays, adding finishing touches to orders, and monitoring ingredient levels.
Despite the automation involved in preparing orders, the quality of the food at Sweetgreen remains top-notch. Ingredients are fresh, flavors are well-balanced, and the overall dining experience is consistently high. The use of the Infinite Kitchen ensures that each bowl is perfectly portioned and assembled, leading to increased customer satisfaction. The restaurant’s menu allows for customization of orders, such as holding or doubling certain ingredients, and customers can choose to have dressing on the side.
The Capitol Hill Sweetgreen location is open daily for pickup, dine-in, or delivery options from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant employs about 22 people and emphasizes fresh ingredients and sustainable practices. The dining area features a painted lantern installation by local artist Hayley Deti, adding to the overall ambiance of the space. With the success of the Infinite Kitchen technology at the Capitol Hill location, Sweetgreen is likely to continue expanding its use in future restaurant openings and enhancing the overall customer experience through automation and innovation.
