New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. The results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
In addition, statements that contain “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Quarterly Report. While we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments.
Comparable Restaurant Base. Comparable Restaurant Base for any measurement period is defined as all restaurants that have operated for at least twelve full months as of the end of such measurement period, other than any restaurants that had a material, temporary closure during the relevant measurement period. A restaurant is considered to have had a material, temporary closure if it had no operations for a consecutive period of at least 30 days. One restaurant was excluded from the Comparable Restaurant Base for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. Two restaurants were excluded from our Comparable Restaurant Base for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. Such adjustments did not result in a material change to our key performance metrics.
Channels
We have five main sales channels: In-Store, Marketplace, Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering, and Pick-Up. We own and operate all of these channels other than our Marketplace Channel, which is operated by various third-party delivery marketplaces.
In-Store Channel. In-Store Channel refers to sales to customers who make in-store purchases in our restaurants, whether they pay by cash, credit card, or digital scan-to-pay. Digital scan-to-pay was eliminated during fiscal year 2023. Purchases made in our In-Store Channel via cash or credit card are referred to as “Non-Digital” transactions, and purchases made in our In-Store Channel via digital scan-to-pay, prior to its elimination, were included as part of our Owned Digital Channels (defined below).
Marketplace Channel. Marketplace Channel refers to sales to customers for delivery or pick-up made through third-party delivery marketplaces, including Caviar, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats, ezCater, Sharebite, and others.
Native Delivery Channel. Native Delivery Channel refers to sales to customers for delivery made through the Sweetgreen website or mobile app.
Outpost and Catering Channel. Outpost and Catering Channel refers to sales to customers for delivery made through the Sweetgreen website or mobile app to our Outposts, which are our designated offsite drop-off points at offices, residential buildings, and hospitals. In addition, our Outpost and Catering Channel includes our catering offerings, which refer to sales to customers made through our catering website for pickup at one of our restaurants or delivery to a customer-specified address.
Pick-Up Channel. Pick-Up Channel refers to sales to customers made for pick-up at one of our restaurants through the Sweetgreen website or mobile app.
Owned Digital Channels. Owned Digital Channels encompasses our Pick-Up Channel, Native Delivery Channel, and Outpost and Catering Channel, and purchases made in our In-Store Channel via digital scan-to-pay, prior to the elimination of digital scan-to-pay during fiscal year 2023.
Total Digital Channels. Total Digital Channels consist of our Owned Digital Channels and our Marketplace Channel, and include our revenues from all of our channels except those from Non-Digital transactions made through our In-Store Channel.
Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
For definitions of our key performance metrics, Net New Restaurant Openings, Average Unit Volume (“AUV”), Same-Store Sales Change, Total Digital Revenue Percentage, and Owned Digital Revenue Percentage, as well as definitions of our Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Restaurant-Level Profit, Restaurant-Level Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, see the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Restaurant-Level Profit, Restaurant-Level Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). See the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information, including the limitations of such measures, and a reconciliation of each of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measures stated in accordance with GAAP.
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
234,623
$
257,230
Accounts receivable
7,141
3,502
Inventory
2,103
2,069
Prepaid expenses
6,426
5,767
Current portion of lease acquisition costs
93
93
Other current assets
4,918
7,450
Total current assets
255,304
276,111
Operating lease assets
248,537
243,992
Property and equipment, net
285,279
266,902
Goodwill
35,970
35,970
Intangible assets, net
24,543
27,407
Security deposits
1,408
1,406
Lease acquisition costs, net
357
426
Restricted cash
2,640
125
Other assets
3,943
4,218
Total assets
$
857,981
$
856,557
LIABILITIES, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
$
34,673
$
31,426
Accounts payable
18,133
17,380
Accrued expenses
28,080
20,845
Accrued payroll
13,964
13,131
Gift cards and loyalty liability
3,672
2,797
Other current liabilities
—
6,000
Total current liabilities
98,522
91,579
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
279,792
271,439
Contingent consideration liability
13,564
8,350
Other non-current liabilities
756
819
Deferred income tax liabilities
2,043
1,773
Total liabilities
$
394,677
$
373,960
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 2,000,000,000 Class A shares authorized, 103,363,461 and 99,700,052 Class A shares issued and outstanding as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 300,000,000 Class B shares authorized, 12,260,027 and 12,939,094 Class B shares issued and outstanding as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
116
113
Additional paid-in capital
1,309,516
1,267,469
Accumulated deficit
(846,328)
(784,985)
Total stockholders’ equity
463,304
482,597
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
857,981
$
856,557
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Sweetgreen, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a mission-driven, next generation restaurant and lifestyle brand that serves healthy food at scale. The Company’s bold vision is to be as ubiquitous as traditional fast food, but with the transparency and quality that consumers increasingly expect. As of September 29, 2024, the Company owned and operated 236 restaurants in 22 states and Washington, D.C. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, the Company had 5 and 15Net New Restaurant Openings, respectively.
The Company was founded in November 2006 and incorporated in the state of Delaware in October 2009 and currently is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Company’s operations are conducted as one operating segment and one reportable segment, as the Company’s chief operating decision maker, who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from retail sales of food and beverages by company-owned restaurants.
The Company has prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. The financial statements and related notes do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual reports and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year—The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Sunday closest to the last day of December. Fiscal year 2024 is a 52-week period that ends December 29, 2024 and fiscal year 2023 was a 53-week period that ended December 31, 2023. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter includes 13 weeks of operations. In a 53-week fiscal year, the first, second and third quarters each include 13 weeks of operations, and the fourth quarter includes 14 weeks of operations.
Management’s Use of Estimates—The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates made by the Company include the income tax valuation allowance, impairment of long-lived assets and right-of-use assets, legal liabilities, valuation of the contingent consideration liability, lease accounting matters, goodwill and stock-based compensation. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements; therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are converted to cash shortly after the related sales transaction and are considered to be cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. Amounts receivable from sales transactions as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were $4.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
Restricted Cash—The Company’s restricted cash balance relates to certificates of deposit that are collateral for letters of credit to lease agreements entered into by the Company and letters of credit associated with the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
The reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total amount shown in its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
234,623
$
257,230
Restricted cash, noncurrent
2,640
125
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown on statement of cash flows
$
237,263
$
257,355
Approximately $2.5 million of the restricted cash balance as of September 29, 2024 was associated with letters of credit required by the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. The remaining balance was associated with letters of credit from lease agreements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted— In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and will adopt the disclosures required by this ASU on a retrospective basis in its December 29, 2024 financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The ASU includes amendments requiring enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures.
The Company reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2.REVENUE RECOGNITION
The following table presents the Company’s revenue for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 disaggregated by significant revenue channel:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Owned Digital Channels
$
50,561
$
56,461
$
158,727
$
161,347
In-Store Channel (Non-Digital component)
77,861
64,612
224,540
177,205
Marketplace Channel
45,009
32,355
132,655
92,463
Total Revenue
$
173,431
$
153,428
$
515,922
$
431,015
Gift Cards
Gift card liability included in gift card and loyalty liability within the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet was as follows:
Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards that was included in gift card and loyalty liability at the beginning of the year was as follows:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Revenue recognized from gift card liability balance at the beginning of the year
$
64
$
45
$
700
$
450
3.FAIR VALUE
The following tables present information about the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Fair Value Measurements as of September 29, 2024
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2023
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Contingent consideration
13,564
—
—
13,564
8,350
—
—
8,350
The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on significant inputs not observable in the market.
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Spyce on September 7, 2021, the former equity holders of Spyce may receive up to $20 million (in the form of up to 714,285 additional shares of Class A common stock, calculated based on the initial offering price of the Company’s Class A common stock of $28.00 per share sold in the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) (the “Reference Price”)), contingent on the achievement of certain performance milestones between the closing date of the acquisition and June 30, 2026.
Additionally, as of the date of the achievement of any of the three milestones, if the Volume-Weighted Average Price of the Company’s Class A common stock as of such milestone achievement date (“VWAP Price”) is less than the Reference Price, then the Company shall pay to each former equity holder of Spyce, in respect of each share of Class A Common stock issued to such holder upon the achievement of such milestone, an amount in cash equal to the delta between the Reference Price and the VWAP Price. The contingent consideration payable upon the achievement of the three milestones, was valued using the Monte Carlo method. The analysis considered, among other items, the equity value, the contractual terms of the Spyce merger agreement, potential liquidity event scenarios (prior to the IPO), the Company’s credit-adjusted discount rate, equity volatility, risk-free rate, and the probability that milestone targets required for issuance of shares under the contingent consideration will be achieved. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the first milestone was achieved, which resulted in former equity holders of Spyce being eligible to receive $6.0 million, which was paid during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. Of this $6.0 million, based on a VWAP Price of $10.20, $2.1 million was issued in the form of Class A common stock, and $3.9 million was paid in cash to the former Spyce equity holders. As the stock was issued and payment was made within one year from December 31, 2023, it was included in other current liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and was issued during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.
The following table provides a roll forward of the aggregate fair values of the Company’s contingent consideration, for which fair value is determined using Level 3 inputs.
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, the Company did not recognize any impairment charges.
The following non-financial instruments were measured at fair value, on a nonrecurring basis, as of and for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, reflecting certain property and equipment and operating leases for which an impairment loss was recognized during the corresponding periods within impairment and closure costs and restructuring charges within the consolidated statement of operations.
Fair Value Measurements as of September 24, 2023
Thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Impairment Losses
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Operating lease assets
5,894
—
—
5,894
—
4,291
4.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life. A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Kitchen equipment
$
100,256
$
89,814
Computers and other equipment
42,183
37,984
Furniture and fixtures
40,757
36,692
Leasehold improvements
286,130
262,191
Assets not yet placed in service
42,466
26,269
Total property and equipment
511,792
452,950
Less: accumulated depreciation
(226,513)
(186,048)
Property and equipment, net
$
285,279
$
266,902
Depreciation expense for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was $14.1 million and $12.9 million, respectively.
Depreciation expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was $41.8 million and $36.1 million, respectively.
As of September 29, 2024, the Company had 13 facilities under construction due to open during fiscal years 2024 and 2025. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had 7 facilities under construction, all of which were opened in fiscal year 2024. Depreciation commences after a store opens and the related assets are placed in service.
Total research and development cost for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Total research and development cost for both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was $0.9 million. Research and development cost is recorded within general and administrative cost in the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, there were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill of $36.0 million.
The following table presents the Company’s intangible assets, net balances:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Internal use software
$
43,774
$
38,336
Developed technology
20,050
20,050
Total intangible assets
63,824
58,386
Accumulated amortization
(39,281)
(30,979)
Intangible assets, net
$
24,543
$
27,407
Developed technology intangible assets were recognized in conjunction with the Company’s acquisition of Spyce on September 7, 2021. The estimated useful life of developed technology is five years and the assets were placed into service during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $2.8 million for both the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023.
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $8.3 million and $7.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.
Estimated future amortization of internal use software and developed technology is as follows:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2024
$
2,609
2025
9,001
2026
6,944
2027
4,652
2028
1,337
Total
$
24,543
6.ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Fixed asset accrual
$
4,966
$
3,577
Accrued general and sales tax
4,870
3,438
Rent deferrals and accrued rent
1,579
1,330
Accrued settlements and legal fees
1,037
1,439
Accrued delivery fee
944
1,197
Other accrued expenses
14,684
9,864
Total accrued expenses
$
28,080
$
20,845
7.DEBT
Credit Facility—On December 14, 2020, the Company entered into a First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Delayed Draw Term Loan and Security Agreement (as subsequently amended, as discussed below, the “2020 Credit Facility”) with Eagle Bank. The 2020 Credit Facility superseded the Company’s 2017 revolving credit facility with Eagle Bank and allows the Company to borrow (i) up to $35.0 million (subsequently increased to $45.0 million) in the aggregate principal amount under the refinanced revolving facility and (ii) up to $10.0 million in the aggregate principal amount under a delayed draw term loan facility, which expired on December 14, 2021, and which was never drawn on. The refinanced revolving facility
matures on December 13, 2024, which we expect to extend prior to its scheduled maturity date. However, if the Company issues certain convertible debt or unsecured indebtedness under the 2020 Credit Facility, then the refinanced revolving facility will mature on the earlier to occur of (i) the maturity date indicated in the previous sentence and (ii) 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date for any portion of such permitted convertible debt or unsecured indebtedness.
On May 9, 2022, the Company and Eagle Bank amended the 2020 Credit Facility to allow for the issuance of Letters of Credit of up to $1.5 million. In connection therewith, the Company entered into a $950,000 irrevocable standby Letter of Credit with Eagle Bank with The Travelers Indemnity Company as the beneficiary in connection with the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
On December 13, 2022, the Company and Eagle Bank amended the 2020 Credit Facility to extend the maturity date from December 14, 2022 to December 13, 2024. The amendment also increased the revolving facility cap by $10.0 million, to allow for the Company to borrow up to $45.0 million in the aggregate principal amount under the refinanced revolving facility. The Company incurred $0.1 million of loan origination fees related to the amendment, which was recorded within other current assets on the audited consolidated balance sheets and will be amortized over the life of the facility. Under the 2020 Credit Facility, interest accrues on the outstanding loan balance and is payable monthly at a rate of the adjusted one-month term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus 2.90%, with a floor on the interest rate at 3.75%. As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding balance under the 2020 Credit Facility.
On April 26, 2023, the Company and Eagle Bank further amended the 2020 Credit Facility to allow for an increase to the issuance of Letters of Credit of up to $3.5 million. In connection therewith, the Company increased its irrevocable standby Letter of Credit with Eagle Bank to $1.95 million, with The Travelers Indemnity Company as the beneficiary in connection with the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. On September 17, 2024 the irrevocable standby Letter of Credit with Eagle Bank of $1.95 million was cancelled, as it was no longer required under the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Under the 2020 Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain levels of liquidity (defined as total cash and cash equivalents on hand plus the available amount under the revolving facility) which liquidity amount shall be no less than the trailing 90-day cash burn. The Company was in compliance with the applicable financial covenants as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The obligations under the 2020 Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company’s existing and future material subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s and subsidiaries guarantor’s assets. The 2020 Credit Facility also restricts the Company’s ability, and the ability of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors, to, among other things, incur liens; incur additional indebtedness; transfer or dispose of assets; make acquisitions, change the nature of the business; guarantee obligations; pay dividends to shareholders or repurchase stock; and make advances, loans, or other investments. The 2020 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to pay the outstanding loans or accrued interest on the due date.
8.LEASES
The Company leases restaurants and corporate office space under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2038. Lease terms for restaurants generally include a base term of 10 years, with options to extend these leases for additional periods of 5 to 15 years.
The components of lease cost for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 were as follows:
Occupancy and related expense General and administrative expense Pre-opening costs
$
13,092
$
12,061
$
38,240
$
35,931
Variable lease cost
Occupancy and related expense General and administrative expense
3,204
2,904
9,480
8,237
Short term lease cost
Occupancy and related expense General and administrative expense
232
98
462
318
Sublease income
General and administrative expense
—
—
—
(356)
Total lease cost
$
16,528
$
15,063
$
48,182
$
44,130
As of September 29, 2024, future minimum lease payments for operating leases consisted of the following:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2024
$
8,663
2025
60,301
2026
59,457
2027
55,261
2028
49,285
Thereafter
174,121
Total
$
407,088
Less: imputed interest
92,623
Total lease liabilities
$
314,465
As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 the Company had additional operating lease commitments of $31.2 million and $25.9 million, respectively, for non-cancelable leases without a possession date, which the Company anticipates will commence in the near future. The nature of such lease commitments is consistent with the nature of the leases that the Company has executed thus far.
A summary of lease terms and discount rates for operating leases as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating Leases
7.27
7.41
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating Leases
6.72
%
6.51
%
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023:
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases, net of lease incentives
$
32,138
$
31,189
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for issuance in connection with the following:
As of September 29, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Options outstanding under the 2009 Stock Plan, 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, Spyce Food Co. 2016 Stock Option Plan and Grant Plan and 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
13,607,548
13,219,388
Shares reserved for achievement of Spyce milestones
506,243
714,285
Shares reserved for employee stock purchase plan
4,111,331
4,111,331
RSUs and PSUs outstanding under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
6,416,297
7,572,945
Shares available for future issuance under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
8,565,087
10,572,899
Total reserved shares of common stock
33,206,506
36,190,848
10.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
In connection with the Company’s IPO, the Company adopted the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which allows for issuance of stock options (including incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), including performance-based awards, and other types of awards. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2021 Plan is 35,166,753, which is the sum of (i) 11,500,000 new shares, plus (ii) an additional number of shares consisting of (a) shares that were available for the issuance of awards under any prior equity incentive plans in place (which shall include the Prior Stock Plans (as defined below)) and the options to purchase certain shares of common stock, assumed by the Company, pursuant to the Spyce Food Co. 2016 Stock Option and Grant Plan, prior to the time the Company’s 2021 Plan became effective and (b) any shares of the Company’s common stock subject to outstanding stock options or other stock awards granted under the Prior Stock Plans that on or after the Company’s 2021 Plan became effective, terminate or expire prior to the exercise or settlement; are not issued because the award is settled in cash; are forfeited because of the failure to vest; or are reacquired or withheld (or not issued) to satisfy a tax withholding obligation or the purchase or exercise price. Options granted during, or prior to, the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 generally have vesting terms between twelve months and four years and have a contractual life of 10 years.
The Company issues shares of Class A common stock upon the vesting and settlement of RSUs and upon the exercises of stock options under the 2021 Plan. The 2021 Plan is administered by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), or a duly authorized committee of the Board.
2009 Stock Plan and 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company granted stock options, RSUs and performance-based restricted stock awards (“PSUs”) to its employees, as well as non-employees (including directors and others who provide substantial services to the Company) under the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan and 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Prior Stock Plans”). Awards permitted to be granted under the Prior Stock Plans include incentive stock options to the Company’s employees and non-qualified stock options to the Company’s employees and non-employees, as well as stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, RSUs (including PSUs), and other forms of stock awards to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants and any of the Company’s affiliated employees and consultants.
Options granted in the fiscal year ended December 26, 2021 and prior generally have vesting terms between one year and four years and have a contractual life of 10 years. No further stock awards will be granted under the Prior Stock Plans now that the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is effective; however, awards outstanding under the Prior Stock Plans will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
In conjunction with the Spyce acquisition, the Company issued shares of Class S stock which converted to the Class A common stock upon the Company’s IPO. Shares of Class S stock that were issued to certain Spyce employees, and the corresponding shares of Class A common stock received by such employees in connection with the Company’s IPO, were subject to time-based service requirements and vested on September 7, 2023, as these requirements were met. As the value is fixed, the grant date fair value of these shares represents the fair value of the shares on the acquisition date. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million and$2.4 million, respectively,related to the vested portion of such shares.
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In conjunction with the IPO, the Board adopted, and the Company’s stockholders approved, the Company’s 2021 employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”). The Company’s ESPP authorizes the issuance of 3,000,000 shares of common stock under purchase rights granted to the Company’s employees or to the employees of any of its designated affiliates. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance will automatically increase on January 1 of each year for a period of 10 years, which began on January 1, 2023, by the lesser of (i) 1% of the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding year; and (ii) 4,300,000 shares, except before the date of any such increase, the Board may determine that such increase will be less than the amount set forth in clauses (i) and (ii). On January 1, 2023 the ESPP authorized shares increased by 1,111,331 to 4,111,331 in accordance with the above. The Board delegated the authority to manage the ESPP to the Compensation Committee of the Board, which provided that there would be no increase in the share reserve for the ESPP for calendar year 2024.
As of September 29, 2024, there had been no offering period or purchase period under the ESPP, and no such period will begin unless and until determined by the administrator.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023:
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Balance—December 25, 2022
13,813,922
$
7.86
6.63
$
34,454
Options granted
1,368,894
8.38
Options exercised
(888,309)
5.75
Options forfeited
(679,474)
11.12
Options expired
(143,397)
10.77
Balance—September 24, 2023
13,471,636
$
7.85
6.42
$
56,433
Exercisable—September 24, 2023
9,915,352
$
6.64
5.64
$
50,906
Vested and expected to vest—September 24, 2023
13,471,636
$
7.85
6.42
$
56,433
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was $9.32 and $8.97, respectively.
The fair value of each option granted has been estimated as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.
As of September 29, 2024, there was $23.6 million in unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period 2.16 years.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units
Restricted stock units
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023:
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Number of Shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance—December 31, 2023
951,517
$
17.41
Granted
518,177
20.36
Released
(369,355)
20.63
Forfeited
(84,042)
18.46
Balance—September 29, 2024
1,016,297
17.67
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Number of Shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance—December 25, 2022
1,780,681
$
23.40
Granted
398,043
8.97
Released
(407,139)
21.45
Forfeited
(483,701)
21.79
Balance—September 24, 2023
1,287,884
$
18.77
As of September 29, 2024, unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs was $10.7 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.78 years. The fair value of shares released as of the vesting date during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was $10.0 million.
The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024:
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Number of Shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance—December 31, 2023
6,621,428
$
15.56
Granted
—
—
Released
(900,000)
18.55
Forfeited
(321,428)
—
Balance—September 29, 2024
5,400,000
$
15.99
There was no PSU activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023.
In October 2021, the Company granted 2,100,000 PSUs to each founder (the “founder PSUs”) for a total of 6,300,000 PSUs, under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. The founder PSUs vest upon the satisfaction of a service condition and the achievement of certain stock price goals. During the thirteen weeks ending September 29, 2024, the service condition and initial stock price goal were met, resulting in 300,000 PSUs vesting and being released for each founder during that period. The fair value of shares released as of the vesting date during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was $33.9 million, solely related to the founder PSUs, and the Company incurred $0.5 million in payroll taxes associated with the transaction. As of September 29, 2024, unrecognized compensation expense related to the founder PSUs was $13.3 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.97 years.
Subsequent to the Company’s IPO, the Company issued 321,428 PSUs to the Spyce founders (“Spyce PSUs”) based on three separate performance-based milestone targets. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, the Company modified the number of shares underlying these grants and the vesting terms to remove the performance-based component, resulting in the total number of shares decreasing to 85,395, all of which are scheduled to vest on March 15, 2025. The expense related to these RSUs is included within the RSU section above.
A summary of stock-based compensation expense recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 is as follows:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Stock-options
$
3,107
$
2,140
$
8,401
$
6,716
Restricted stock units
1,909
2,432
6,645
8,426
Performance stock units
4,669
6,894
15,168
24,991
Total stock-based compensation
$
9,685
$
11,466
$
30,214
$
40,133
11.INCOME TAXES
The Company’s entire pretax loss for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 was from its U.S domestic operations. The Company’s tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising during interim periods. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, there were no significant discrete items recorded and the Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.3 million in income tax expense, respectively. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, there were no significant discrete items recorded and the Company recorded $0.3 million and $1.0 million in income tax expense, respectively.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act (as defined below). Intended to provide economic relief to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act includes provisions, among others, to enhance business’ liquidity and provide for refundable employee retention tax credits (“ERC”), which could be used to offset payroll tax liabilities. On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). The ARPA includes several provisions, such as measures that extend and expand the ERC, previously enacted under the CARES Act, through September 30, 2021. As there is no authoritative
guidance under U.S. GAAP on accounting for government assistance to for-profit business entities, the Company accounts for the ERC by analogy to International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance. In accordance with IAS 20, management determined it has reasonable assurance for receipt of the ERC and recorded the ERC benefit of $1.8 million within Labor and other related expenses and $5.1 million within general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 as an offset to Social Security tax expense. As of September 29, 2024 the Company has received $3.4 million in cash payments, reducing the ERC receivable within other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to $3.6 million.
12.NET LOSS PER SHARE
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, the rights, including the liquidation and dividend rights, of the holders of Class A and Class B common stock were identical, except with respect to voting. As the liquidation and dividend rights were identical, the undistributed earnings were allocated on a proportionate basis and the resulting net loss per share attributable to common stockholders were, therefore, the same for both Class A and Class B common stock on an individual or combined basis.
The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per common share:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Numerator:
Net loss
$
(20,816)
$
(25,055)
$
(61,343)
$
(85,970)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted
114,752,307
112,179,722
113,743,453
111,687,538
Earnings per share—basic and diluted
$
(0.18)
$
(0.22)
$
(0.54)
$
(0.77)
The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, which include preferred stock, time-based vesting restricted stock units, performance stock units, contingently issuable stock and options to purchase common stock, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect would be antidilutive. Therefore, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net loss per share is the same. The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Options to purchase common stock
13,607,548
13,471,636
13,607,548
13,471,636
Time-based vesting restricted stock units
1,016,297
1,287,884
1,016,297
1,287,884
Performance stock units
5,400,000
6,621,428
5,400,000
6,621,428
Contingently issuable stock
506,243
714,285
506,243
714,285
Total common stock equivalents
20,530,088
22,095,233
20,530,088
22,095,233
13.RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company’s founders and Chief Financial Officer each hold indirect minority passive interests in Luzzatto Opportunity Fund II, LLC, an entity which holds indirect equity interests in Welcome to the Dairy, LLC, which is the owner of the properties leased by the Company for the Company’s principal corporate headquarters. For the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, total payments to Welcome to the Dairy, LLC, totaled $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29,
2024 and September 24, 2023, total payments to Welcome to the Dairy, LLC, totaled $3.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
14.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Commitments
The Company is obligated under various operating leases related to its office facilities, restaurant locations, and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases that expire on various dates. Under certain of these leases, the Company is liable for contingent rent based on a percentage of sales in excess of specified thresholds and typically responsible for its proportionate share of real estate taxes, common area maintenance charges and other occupancy costs. Refer to Note 8, Leases, for additional information.
Purchase Obligations
Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms. The majority of the Company’s purchase obligations relate to amounts owed for supplies within its restaurants and are due within the next twelve months.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations and administrative proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. However, an increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which the Company incurs greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current plans, expectations and beliefs that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included under Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. See the section titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or “Sweetgreen” refer to Sweetgreen, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a mission-driven, next generation restaurant and lifestyle brand that serves healthy food at scale. Our bold vision is to be as ubiquitous as traditional fast food, but with the transparency and quality that consumers increasingly expect. As of September 29, 2024, we owned and operated 236 restaurants in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
Factors Affecting Our Business
Expanding Restaurant Footprint
Opening new restaurants is an important driver of our revenue growth. During the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, we had 5 and 15 Net New Restaurant Openings, respectively. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, we had 15 and 34 Net New Restaurant Openings, respectively, bringing our total count as of September 29, 2024 to 236 restaurants in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
Real Estate Selection
We utilize a rigorous, data-driven real estate selection process to identify the location and timing of opening new restaurants, both in new and existing U.S. markets and in urban and suburban areas, with both high anticipated foot or vehicle traffic and proximity to workplaces, residences and other restaurant and retail businesses that support our multi-channel approach, including our Native Delivery, Marketplace Delivery and Outpost and Catering Channels.
Macroeconomic Conditions, Inflation, and Supply Chain Constraints
Consumer spending on food outside the home fluctuates with macroeconomic conditions. Consumers tend to allocate higher spending to food outside the home when macroeconomic conditions are stronger, and reduce spending on food outside the home during weaker economies. Our customers have in the past demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for a craveable, convenient, and healthier alternative to traditional fast-food and fast-casual offerings. However, as a premium offering in the fast-casual industry, we are exposed both to consumers trading the convenience of food away from home for the cost benefit of cooking, and to consumers selecting less expensive fast-casual alternatives during weaker economic periods.
While we have historically been able to partially offset inflation and other increases in the costs of core operating resources, such as wage increases and increases in cost of goods sold, by gradually increasing menu prices or other customer fees, such as service fees and delivery fees, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements, and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the current macroeconomic environment or regulatory environment or in the future. In particular, current and future macroeconomic conditions could cause additional menu price increases to negatively impact our Same Store Sales Growth. There can be no assurance that future cost increases, including as a result of inflation, can be offset by increased menu prices or that our current or future menu prices will be fully absorbed by our customers without any resulting change to their demand for our products.
During the first fiscal quarter of 2023, there was an interruption by our supplier to the supply of packaging to our stores. This caused a disruption in our stores, as well as higher costs of packaging materials, which negatively impacted our restaurant operating costs during that period.
During the second quarter of 2024, we introduced steak as a new protein to our menu, which adds a new ingredient for our customer base. With the introduction of beef on our menu, we have experienced and could continue to experience an increase in commodity costs.
Seasonality
Our revenue fluctuates as a result of seasonal factors and weather conditions. Historically, our revenue has been lower in the first and fourth fiscal quarters of the year due, in part, to the holiday season and the fact that fewer people eat out during periods of inclement weather (generally the winter months, though inclement weather conditions may occur in certain markets at any time of the year) than during periods of mild to warm weather (the spring, summer, and fall months). In addition, a core part of our menu, salads, has proven to be more popular among consumers in the warmer months. In recent years, as consumer behavior trends have changed, due in part to the emergence of hybrid or remote work environments, the seasonality in our business has been less predictable than in prior years although we have seen an increased and prolonged negative impact on our revenue around national holidays.
Sales Channel Mix
Our revenue is derived from sales of food and beverage to customers through our five sales channels: In-Store Channel, Pick-Up Channel, Native Delivery Channel, Marketplace Channel, and Outpost and Catering Channel. There have been historical fluctuations in the mix of sales between our various channels. Due to the fact that our Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering, and Marketplace Channels require the payment of third-party fees in order to fulfill deliveries, sales through these channels have historically negatively impacted our margins. Additionally, historically, orders on our Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering and Marketplace Channels have resulted in a higher rate of refunds and credits than our In-Store and Pick-Up Channels, which has a negative impact on revenue from these channels. We have also historically prioritized promotions and discounts on our Owned Digital Channels, which also reduces revenue from these channels. If we see a shift in sales through the Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering, and Marketplace channels, our margins may decrease. However, over time, we expect that our margins will improve on our Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering, and Marketplace Channels as we scale each of these channels.
Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We track the following key performance metrics and non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our performance, identify trends, formulate financial projections, and make strategic decisions. We believe that these key performance metrics, which include certain non-GAAP financial measures, provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations in the same manner as our management team. These key performance metrics and non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from similarly titled metrics or measures presented by other companies.
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands )
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Net New Restaurant Openings
5
15
15
34
Average Unit Volume (as adjusted)(1)
$2,907
$2,905
$2,907
$2,905
Same-Store Sales Change (%) (as adjusted)(2)
6
%
4
%
7
%
4
%
Total Digital Revenue Percentage
55
%
58
%
56
%
59
%
Owned Digital Revenue Percentage
29
%
37
%
31
%
37
%
(1) One restaurant was excluded from the Comparable Restaurant Base for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. Two restaurants were excluded from the Comparable Restaurant Base for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. Such adjustments did not result in a material change to AUV.
(2) Our results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 have been adjusted to reflect the temporary closures of two and five restaurants, respectively, which were excluded from the calculation of Same-Store Sales Change. Such adjustments did not result in a material change to Same-Store Sales Change. Our results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023 have been adjusted to reflect the temporary closures of zero and two restaurants, respectively, which were excluded from the calculation of Same-Store Sales Change. Such adjustments did not result in a material change to Same-Store Sales Change.
Net New Restaurant Openings
Net New Restaurant Openings reflect the number of new Sweetgreen restaurant openings during a given reporting period, net of any permanent Sweetgreen restaurant closures during the same given period. Before we open new restaurants, we incur pre-opening costs, as further described below. During fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025, we plan to integrate our Infinite Kitchen into a greater number of our new restaurants.
Average Unit Volume
AUV is defined as the average trailing revenue for the prior four fiscal quarters for all restaurants in the Comparable Restaurant Base. The measure of AUV allows us to assess changes in guest traffic and per transaction patterns at our restaurants. Fiscal year 2023 was a 53-week year, and in order to provide a measurement period that is consistent with comparable periods that span a 52-week year, rather than simply excluding the extra week, we applied an averaging methodology to the last period of fiscal 2023 to adjust for the extra week. Comparable Restaurant Base for any measurement period is defined as all restaurants that have operated for at least twelve full months as of the end of such measurement period, other than any restaurants that had a material, temporary closure during the relevant measurement period. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, one restaurant was excluded from the Comparable Restaurant Base. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, two restaurants were excluded from the Comparable Restaurant Base. Such adjustments did not result in a material change to AUV.
Same-Store Sales Change
Same-Store Sales Change reflects the percentage change in year-over-year revenue for the relevant fiscal period for all restaurants that have operated for at least 13 full fiscal months as of the end of such fiscal period, excluding the 14th week in any 14-week period and the 53rd week in any 53-week period, as applicable; provided, that for any restaurant that has had a temporary closure (which historically has been defined as a closure of at least five days during which the restaurant would have otherwise been open) during any prior or current fiscal month, such fiscal month, as well as the corresponding fiscal month for the prior or current fiscal year, as applicable, will be excluded when calculating Same-Store Sales Change for that restaurant. Fiscal year 2023 was a 53-week year, which resulted in a misalignment in our comparable weeks in fiscal year 2024. To adjust for this misalignment, in calculating Same-Store Sales Change for each fiscal quarter and the full fiscal year 2024, we shifted each week within fiscal year 2023 forward by one week to better align with the 2024 calendar year, specifically to match the timing of holidays and achieve a more accurate comparable Same-Store Sales Change to the prior period. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, two and five restaurants were excluded from the calculation of Same-Store Sales Change, respectively. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, zero and two restaurants were excluded from the calculation of Same-Store Sales Change, respectively.Such adjustments did not result in a material change to Same-Store Sales Change. This measure highlights the performance of existing restaurants, while excluding the impact of new restaurant openings and closures.
Total Digital Revenue Percentage and Owned Digital Revenue Percentage
Our Total Digital Revenue Percentage is the percentage of our revenue attributed to purchases made through our Total Digital Channels. Our Owned Digital Revenue Percentage is the percentage of our revenue attributed to purchases made through our Owned Digital Channels.
In addition to our consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with GAAP, we present certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Restaurant-Level Profit, Restaurant-Level Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. We believe these measures are useful to investors and others in evaluating our performance because these measures:
•facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period by isolating the effects of some
items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that
vary widely among similar companies. These potential differences may be caused by variations in
capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions (such as the impact on periods or
companies of changes in effective tax rates or NOL), and the age and book depreciation of facilities
and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense);
•are widely used by analysts, investors, and competitors to measure a company’s operating performance; are used by our management and board of directors for various purposes, including as measures of performance, and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting; and
•are used internally for a number of benchmarks, including to compare our performance to that of our competitors.
Restaurant-Level Profit, Restaurant-Level Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. In particular, Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA should not be viewed as substitutes for, or superior to, loss from operations or net loss prepared in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability. Some of these limitations are:
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect all cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;
•Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
•Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of the recording or release of valuation allowances or tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;
•Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA do not consider the potentially dilutive impact of stock-based compensation;
•Restaurant-Level Profit is not indicative of overall results of the Company and does not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders, as corporate-level expenses are excluded;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account any income or costs that management determines are not indicative of ongoing operating performance, such as stock-based compensation; loss on disposal of property and equipment; other (income) expense; Spyce acquisition costs; our enterprise resource planning system (“ERP”) implementation and related costs; legal settlements; and certain other expenses as described in more detail below; and
•other companies, including those in our industry, may calculate Restaurant-Level Profit and Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.
Because of these limitations, you should consider Restaurant-Level Profit, Restaurant-Level Profit Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin alongside other financial performance measures, loss from operations, net loss, and our other GAAP results.
Restaurant-Level Profit and Restaurant-Level Profit Margin
We define Restaurant-Level Profit as loss from operations adjusted to exclude general and administrative expense, depreciation and amortization, pre-opening costs, loss on disposal of property and equipment, and in certain periods, impairment and closure costs and restructuring charges. Restaurant-Level Profit Margin is Restaurant-Level Profit as a percentage of revenue.
As it excludes general and administrative expense, which is primarily attributable to our corporate headquarters, which we refer to as our Sweetgreen Support Center, we evaluate Restaurant-Level Profit and Restaurant-Level Profit Margin as a measure of profitability of our restaurants.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our loss from operations to Restaurant-Level Profit, as well as the calculation of loss from operations margin and Restaurant-Level Profit Margin for each of the periods indicated:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Loss from operations
$
(21,175)
$
(26,487)
$
(64,274)
$
(93,055)
Add back:
General and administrative
36,777
35,963
112,844
111,220
Depreciation and amortization
16,905
15,682
50,069
43,310
Pre-opening costs
1,759
2,522
4,295
8,190
Impairment and closure costs
114
132
388
479
Loss on disposal of property and equipment(1)
63
489
178
547
Restructuring charges(2)
498
812
1,497
6,448
Restaurant-Level Profit
$
34,941
$
29,113
$
104,997
$
77,139
Loss from operations margin
(12)
%
(17)
%
(12)
%
(22)
%
Restaurant-Level Profit Margin
20
%
19
%
20
%
18
%
__________
__
(1)Loss on disposal of property and equipment includes the loss on disposal of assets related to retirements and replacement or write-off of leasehold improvements or equipment.
(2)Restructuring charges are expenses that are paid in connection with reorganization of our operations. These costs primarily include lease and related costs associated with our vacated former Sweetgreen Support Center, including the impairment and the amortization of the operating lease asset.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss adjusted to exclude income tax expense, interest income, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, loss on disposal of property and equipment, other (income) expense, Spyce acquisition costs, ERP implementation and related costs, legal settlements, and certain other expenses during the period that management determines are not indicative of ongoing operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our net loss to Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of net loss margin and Adjusted EBITDA Margin for each of the periods indicated:
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Net loss
$
(20,816)
$
(25,055)
$
(61,343)
$
(85,970)
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Income tax expense
90
318
270
954
Interest income
(2,754)
(3,381)
(8,690)
(9,694)
Interest expense
26
19
242
58
Depreciation and amortization
16,905
15,682
50,069
43,310
Stock-based compensation(1)
9,685
11,466
30,214
40,133
Loss on disposal of property and equipment(2)
63
489
178
547
Impairment and closure costs(3)
114
132
388
479
Other expense(4)
2,279
1,612
5,247
1,597
Spyce acquisition costs(5)
—
148
—
470
Restructuring charges(6)
498
812
1,497
6,448
ERP implementation and related costs(7)
229
222
682
657
Legal settlements(8)
—
15
36
65
Employer portion of the founder performance stock unit payroll taxes(9)
491
—
491
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$
6,810
$
2,479
$
19,281
$
(946)
Net loss margin
(12)
%
(16)
%
(12)
%
(20)
%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
4
%
2
%
4
%
—
%
__________
__
(1)Includes non-cash, stock-based compensation.
(2)Loss on disposal of property and equipment includes the loss on disposal of assets related to retirements and replacement or write-off of leasehold improvements or equipment.
(3)Includes costs related to impairment of long-lived assets and store closures.
(4)Other expense includes the change in fair value of the contingent consideration. See Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
(5)Spyce acquisition costs includes one-time costs we incurred in order to acquire Spyce including, severance payments, retention bonuses, and valuation and legal expenses.
(6)Restructuring charges are expenses that are paid in connection with reorganization of our operations. These costs primarily include lease and related non-cash expenses associated with our vacated former Sweetgreen Support Center, including the impairment and the amortization of the operating lease asset.
(7)Represents the amortization costs associated to the implementation from our cloud computing arrangements in relation to our ERP.
(8)Expenses recorded for accruals related to the settlements of legal matters.
(9)Includes the employer portion of payroll taxes related to the vesting of 300,000 performance stock units released to each founder during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We recognize food and beverage revenue, net of discounts and incentives, when payment is tendered at the point of sale as the performance obligation has been satisfied, through our three disaggregated revenue channels: Owned Digital Channels, In-Store-Channel (Non-Digital component), and Marketplace Channel. Provisions for
discounts are provided for in the same period the related sales are recorded. Sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis, and as such, are excluded from revenue. We expect revenue to increase as we focus on opening additional restaurants, diversify and expand our menu, make investments in our Owned Digital Channels to attract new customers and increase order frequency in our existing customers, as well as any increases in the price of our menu items.
Gift Cards
We also sell gift cards that do not have an expiration date. Upon sale, gift cards are recorded as unearned revenue and included within gift card liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The revenue from gift cards is recognized when redeemed by customers. Because we do not track addresses of gift card purchasers, the relevant jurisdiction related to the requirement for escheatment, the legal obligation to remit unclaimed assets to the state, is our state of incorporation, which is Delaware. The state of Delaware requires escheatment after five years from issuance. We do not recognize breakage income because of our requirements to escheat unredeemed gift card balances.
Delivery
The majority of our restaurant locations offer a delivery option. Delivery services are fulfilled by third-party service providers whether delivery is ordered through our Native Delivery Channel or Marketplace Channel. With respect to Native Delivery Channel sales, we control the delivery services and recognize revenue, including delivery revenue, when the delivery partner transfers food or beverage to the customer. For these sales, we receive payment directly from the customer at the time of sale. With respect to Marketplace Channel sales, we recognize revenue, excluding delivery fees collected by the delivery partner as we do not control the delivery service, when control of the food or beverage is delivered to the end customer. We receive payment from the delivery partner subsequent to the transfer of food and the payment terms are short-term in nature. For all delivery sales, we are considered the principal and recognize the revenue on a gross basis. For a more detailed discussion of our third-party delivery fees and our expectations regarding our margins, see the section titled “—Sales Channel Mix” above.
Restaurant Operating Costs, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization
Food, Beverage, and Packaging
Food, beverage, and packaging costs include the direct costs associated with food, beverage, and packaging of our menu items. We anticipate food, beverage and packaging costs on an absolute dollar basis will increase for the foreseeable future to the extent we experience additional in-store orders, as we open additional restaurants, and as a result our revenue grows. Food, beverage, and packaging costs as a percentage of revenue may vary, as these costs are impacted by menu mix and fluctuations in commodity costs, inflation, and availability, as well as geographic scale and proximity. We will continue to innovate in key areas, including menu, which could lead to increases in commodity costs as we add items such as beef to our menu.
Labor and Related Expenses
Labor and related expenses include salaries, bonuses, benefits, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation expenses, and other expenses related to our restaurant employees. As with other variable expense items, we expect labor costs to grow as our revenue grows. Other factors that influence labor costs include each jurisdiction’s minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, inflation, the strength of the labor market for hourly employees, benefit costs, health care costs, and the size and location of our restaurants.
Occupancy and Related Expenses
Occupancy and related expenses consist of restaurant-level occupancy expenses (including rent, common area maintenance (“CAM”) expenses and real estate taxes), and exclude occupancy expenses associated with unopened restaurants, which are recorded separately in pre-opening costs. We anticipate occupancy and related expenses on an absolute dollar basis will increase for the foreseeable future to the extent we continue to open new restaurants and revenue grows. Occupancy and related expenses as a percentage of revenue are impacted by geographic location, type of restaurant build, and amount of revenue.
Other restaurant operating costs include other operating expenses incidental to operating our restaurants, such as repairs and maintenance, utilities, certain local taxes, third-party delivery fees, non-perishable supplies, restaurant-level marketing, credit card fees and property insurance. We expect that other restaurant operating costs will increase on an absolute dollar basis for the foreseeable future to the extent we continue to open new restaurants and our revenue grows. Other restaurant operating costs as a percentage of revenue are expected to increase in line with growth in our Native Delivery, Outpost and Catering, and Marketplace Channels, as these channels require us to pay third-party delivery fees. However, as revenue increases, we expect that other restaurant operating costs, such as repairs and maintenance and property insurance, as a percentage of revenue will decline.
Operating Expenses
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of operations, technology, finance, legal, human resources, administrative personnel, and other personnel costs that support restaurant development and operations, as well as stock-based compensation expense and brand-related marketing. As a percentage of revenue, we expect our general and administrative expenses to vary from period to period and to decrease over time.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization include the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, and the amortization of external costs, certain internal costs directly associated with developing computer software applications for internal use, and developed technology acquired as part of our Spyce acquisition. We expect that depreciation and amortization expenses will increase on an absolute dollar basis as we continue to build new restaurants and make investments in our digital platform.
Pre-Opening Costs
Pre-opening costs primarily consist of rent, wages, travel for training and restaurant opening teams, food, marketing, and other restaurant costs that we incur prior to the opening or during the major renovation, of a restaurant. These expenses will increase in proportion to the increase of our new restaurant openings and major renovations. These costs are expensed as incurred. Pre-opening costs depend on the number of new restaurants and major restaurant renovations we open during each period or are planning to open in future periods. As a result, while we expect that pre-opening costs on an absolute dollar basis will fluctuate from period to period, we expect pre-opening costs to begin to increase in fiscal year 2025 in connection with the reacceleration of our new restaurant growth rate described above.
Impairment and Closure Costs
Impairment includes impairment charges related to our long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, and operating lease assets.
Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment
Loss on disposal of property and equipment includes the net book value of assets that have been retired and consists primarily of furniture, equipment and fixtures that were replaced in the normal course of business.
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges are expenses that are paid in connection with the reorganization of our operations. These costs primarily include operating lease asset impairment costs related to our vacated former Sweetgreen Support Center, as well as the amortization of the underlying operating lease asset and related real estate and CAM charges, severance and related benefits from workforce reductions at our Sweetgreen Support Center, and costs related to abandoning certain potential future restaurant sites, which are a result of our efforts to streamline our future new restaurant openings, and other related expenses.
Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents. Interest expense includes mainly amortization of deferred financing costs from our debt origination and commitment fees.
Other Expense
Other expense consists primarily of changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability. We will continue to remeasure the liability associated with our contingent consideration liability until the underlying service conditions are met, or the performance period expires.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense consists of federal and state tax expense on our operating activity, and changes to our deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability. For additional information, see Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023:
Thirteen weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Dollar Change
Percentage Change
Revenue
$
173,431
$
153,428
$
20,003
13
%
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization presented separately below):
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023:
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Dollar Change
Percentage Change
Revenue
$
515,922
$
431,015
$
84,907
20
%
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization presented separately below):
Food, beverage, and packaging
141,307
118,333
22,974
19
%
Labor and related expenses
142,954
126,506
16,448
13
%
Occupancy and related expenses
44,523
40,117
4,406
11
%
Other restaurant operating costs
82,141
68,920
13,221
19
%
Total cost of restaurant operations
410,925
353,876
57,049
16
%
Operating expenses:
General and administrative
112,844
111,220
1,624
1
%
Depreciation and amortization
50,069
43,310
6,759
16
%
Pre-opening costs
4,295
8,190
(3,895)
(48
%)
Impairment and closure costs
388
479
(91)
(19
%)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
178
547
(369)
(67
%)
Restructuring charges
1,497
6,448
(4,951)
(77
%)
Total operating expenses
169,271
170,194
(923)
(1
%)
Loss from operations
(64,274)
(93,055)
28,781
(31
%)
Interest income
(8,690)
(9,694)
1,004
(10
%)
Interest expense
242
58
184
317
%
Other expense (income)
5,247
1,597
3,650
229
%
Net loss before income taxes
(61,073)
(85,016)
23,943
(28
%)
Income tax expense
270
954
(684)
(72
%)
Net loss
$
(61,343)
$
(85,970)
$
24,627
(29
%)
Revenue
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Revenue
173,431
153,428
13
%
515,922
431,015
20
%
Average Unit Volume
$2,907
2,905
—
%
$2,907
$2,905
—
%
Same-Store Sales Change
6
%
4
%
2
%
7
%
4
%
3
%
The increase in revenue for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to an increase of $12.4 million of incremental revenue associated with 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023. The increase in revenue was also due to an increase in Comparable Restaurant Base revenue of $8.5 million resulting in a positive Same-Store Sales Change of 6% consisting of a 4% benefit from menu price increases that were implemented subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023 and a 2% increase due to traffic and favorable product mix. These increases were partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in fiscal year-over-year comparable restaurant sales, which would have been reflected in our Same-Store Sales Change had we not adjusted for the misalignment in our comparable weeks resulting from fiscal year 2023 being a 53-week year, as described above.
The increase in revenue for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to an increase of $51.7 million of incremental revenue associated with 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the
thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. The increase in revenue was also due to an increase in Comparable Restaurant Base revenue of $28.9 million, resulting in a positive Same-Store Sales Change of 7%, consisting of a 5% benefit from menu price increases that were implemented subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023 and a 2% increase due to traffic and favorable product mix. The remaining $5.0 million of the increase was due to additional fiscal year-over-year comparable restaurant sales growth, which would have been reflected in our Same-Store Sales Change had we not adjusted for the misalignment in our comparable weeks resulting from fiscal year 2023 being a 53-week year, as described above.
Restaurant Operating Costs
Food, Beverage, and Packaging
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Food, beverage, and packaging
47,706
41,754
14
%
141,307
118,333
19
%
As a percentage of total revenue
28
%
27
%
1
%
27
%
27
%
—
%
The increase in food, beverage, and packaging costs for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023, as well as higher protein cost.
The increase in food, beverage, and packaging costs for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, and higher protein cost. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in packaging costs, which were higher in the prior-year period due to a packaging supply chain disruption.
As a percentage of revenue, food, beverage, and packaging costs for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 remained relatively consistent compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, respectively, primarily due to an increase in revenue proportional to the increase in food, beverage, and packaging costs.
Labor and Related Expenses
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Labor and related expenses
47,520
43,750
9
%
142,954
126,506
13
%
As a percentage of total revenue
27
%
29
%
(2
%)
28
%
29
%
(1
%)
The increase in labor and related expenses for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023. The increase was also driven by higher staffing expenses associated with increases in prevailing wage rates in many of our markets, partially offset by improved labor optimization. Most notably, as of April 1, 2024, California fast food wages increased as result of AB 1228.
The increase in labor and related expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. The increase was also driven by higher staffing expenses associated with increases in prevailing wage rates in many of our markets. Most notably, as of April 1, 2024, California fast food wages increased as result of AB 1228. These increases were partially offset by a $1.8 million benefit related to refundable employee retention tax credits (“ERC”) issued as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) as well as an improvement in labor optimization. See Note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further details on the ERC.
As a percentage of revenue, the decrease in labor and related expenses for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to higher revenue and improvement in labor optimization, partially offset by wage rate increases, as discussed above, compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023.
As a percentage of revenue, the decrease in labor and related expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to higher revenue and improvement in labor optimization, partially offset by wage rate increases, as discussed above, compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.8 million benefit received during the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2023, related to a refundable ERC issued as part of the CARES Act.
Occupancy and Related Expenses
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Occupancy and related expenses
15,054
13,961
8
%
44,523
40,117
11
%
As a percentage of total revenue
9
%
9
%
—
%
9
%
9
%
—
%
The increase in occupancy and related expenses for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023, partially offset by reduced occupancy rates across recently opened stores.
The increase in occupancy and related expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, partially offset by reduced occupancy rates across recently opened stores.
As a percentage of revenue, occupancy and related expenses for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was slightly below the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, primarily due to higher revenue in the current period as well as reduced occupancy rates, as discussed above.
Other Restaurant Operating Costs
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Other restaurant operating costs
28,210
24,850
14%
82,141
68,920
19%
As a percentage of total revenue
16
%
16
%
—%
16
%
16
%
—%
The increase in other restaurant operating costs for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023. This includes increases in delivery fees, primarily related to the increase in revenue through our Marketplace Channel, credit card and online processing fees related to the increase in revenue, and repair and maintenance expenses.
The increase in other restaurant operating costs for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. This includes increases in delivery fees, primarily related to the increase in revenue through our Marketplace Channel, credit card and online processing fees related to the increase in revenue, and repair and maintenance expenses.
As a percentage of revenue, other restaurant operating costs for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 remained consistent compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, primarily due to an increase in revenue proportional to the increase in other restaurant operating costs in the current period.
The increase in general and administrative expenses for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in spend across the Sweetgreen Support Center to support our restaurant growth, partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, primarily related to the decrease in expenses associated with restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units issued prior to our IPO.
The increase in general and administrative expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to a $5.1 million benefit received during the thirty-nine weeks ended June 25, 2023 from the ERC. The remaining increase was due to an increase in our investment in marketing and advertising and an increase in spend across the Sweetgreen Support Center to support our restaurant growth. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to the decrease in expense associated with restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units issued prior to our IPO.
As a percentage of revenue, the decrease in general and administrative expenses for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the comparatively higher revenue in the current period, partially offset by the net effect of the fluctuations noted above.
Depreciation and Amortization
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Depreciation and amortization
16,905
15,682
8
%
50,069
43,310
16
%
As a percentage of total revenue
10
%
10
%
—
%
10
%
10
%
—
%
The increase in depreciation and amortization for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 31 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2023.
The increase in depreciation and amortization for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the 50 Net New Restaurant Openings during or subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, as well as the amortization from developed technology that was placed into service during the thirteen weeks ended June 25, 2023.
As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 remained consistent compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023.
The decrease in pre-opening costs for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to 5 gross new restaurant openings during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to 15 gross new restaurant openings in the same quarter of the prior year.
The decrease in pre-opening costs for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to 15 gross new restaurant openings during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to 37 gross new restaurant openings in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023.
As a percentage of revenue, pre-opening costs decreased in the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, due to the variances noted above as well as comparatively higher revenue in the current period.
Impairment and Closure Costs
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Impairment and closure costs
114
132
(14
%)
388
479
(19
%)
As a percentage of total revenue
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, we recorded closure costs of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to lease and related costs associated with previously closed restaurants, including the amortization of operating lease assets, and expenses associated with CAM and real estate taxes.
Restructuring Charges
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Restructuring charges
498
812
(39
%)
1,497
6,448
(77
%)
As a percentage of total revenue
—
%
1
%
(1
%)
—
%
1
%
(1
%)
The restructuring charges for both the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 is primarily related to our former Sweetgreen Support Center, which we vacated in fiscal year 2022, including continued amortization of the operating lease asset and related real estate and CAM charges.
The decrease in restructuring charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 is primarily related to the $4.3 million operating lease impairment expense recognized during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, associated with our former Sweetgreen Support Center.
As a percentage of revenue, restructuring charges decreased in the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, due to the variances noted above as well as comparatively higher revenue in the current period.
Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
63
489
(87
%)
178
547
(67
%)
As a percentage of total revenue
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
The decrease in loss on disposal of property and equipment was due to timing of furniture, equipment and fixture replacements at multiple restaurants for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to the prior year periods.
The decrease in interest income, net, was primarily due to a lower cash balance in our money market accounts during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to the prior year periods.
Other Expense
Thirteen weeks ended
Thirty-nine weeks ended
(dollar amounts in thousands)
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Percentage Change
Other expense
2,279
1,612
41
%
5,247
1,597
229
%
As a percentage of total revenue
1
%
1
%
—
%
1
%
—
%
1
%
The increase in other expense for each of the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to a change in the fair value of our contingent consideration compared to the prior year periods, which was issued as part of the Spyce acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021.
As a percentage of revenue, other expense increased during thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023, due to the variances noted above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Material Cash Requirements
To date, we have funded our operations through proceeds received from previous common stock and preferred stock issuances, our ability to obtain lending commitments and through cash flow from operations. Additionally, in November 2021, we completed our IPO, from which we received net proceeds of $384.7 million from sales of our shares of Class A common stock, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $234.6 million and $257.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively. As of September 29, 2024, we had access to a $43.1 million revolver loan(s) under our 2020 Credit Agreement. As of September 29, 2024, there have been no draws on the revolving facility. Based on our current operating plan, we believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and access to available revolving loan(s), will be sufficient to fund our operating lease obligations, capital expenditures, and working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We believe we will meet longer-term expected future cash requirements and obligations through a combination of cash flows from operating activities, available cash balances, and available revolving loan(s). If we are unable to generate positive operating cash flows, additional debt and equity financings may be necessary to sustain future operations, and there can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for new restaurant development, including related to deployment of our Infinite Kitchen, initiatives to improve the team member and customer experience in our restaurants, marketing-related costs, research and development costs, working capital and general corporate needs. Additionally, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, we made a cash payment of approximately $3.9 million related to the Spyce milestone payment. See Note 3 for further details. We have not required significant working capital because customers generally pay using cash or credit and debit cards and, as a result, our operations do not require significant receivables. Additionally, our operations do not require significant inventories due, in part, to our use of numerous fresh ingredients. Further, we are able to sell most of our inventory items before payment is due to the supplier of such items.
Our material cash requirements primarily consist of operating lease obligations and purchase obligations. The timing and nature of these commitments are expected to have an impact on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods. Refer to Note 7, Debt, and Note 8, Leases, in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 for additional information relating to our long-term debt and operating leases.
Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms. The majority of our purchase obligations relate to amounts owed for supplies within our restaurants and are due within the next twelve months.
Credit Facility
On December 14, 2020, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Delayed Draw Term Loan and Security Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “2020 Credit Facility”) with Eagle Bank. The 2020 Credit Facility currently allows us to borrow up to $45.0 million in aggregate principal amount under the revolving facility, including up to $1.5 million in letters of credit. The revolving facility matures on December 13, 2024, and we expect to extend it prior to its scheduled maturity date. However, if we issue certain convertible debt or unsecured indebtedness that are permitted under the 2020 Credit Facility, then the refinanced revolving facility will mature on the earlier to occur of (i) the maturity date indicated in the previous sentence and (ii) 90 days prior to the scheduled maturity date for any portion of such permitted convertible debt or unsecured indebtedness, as applicable.
Under the 2020 Credit Facility, interest accrues on the outstanding loan balance and is payable monthly at a rate of the adjusted one-month term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus 2.90%, with a floor on the interest rate at 3.75%. As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding balance under the 2020 Credit Facility.
The obligations under the 2020 Credit Facility are guaranteed by our existing and future material subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiary guarantor’s assets. The 2020 Credit Facility also restricts our ability, and the ability of our subsidiary guarantors to, among other things, incur liens; incur additional indebtedness; transfer or dispose of assets; make acquisitions; change the nature of the business; guarantee obligations; pay dividends to shareholders or repurchase stock; and make advances, loans, or other investments. The 2020 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to pay the outstanding loans or accrued interest on the due date. Under the 2020 Credit Facility, we are required to maintain certain levels of liquidity (defined as total cash and cash equivalents on hand plus the available amount under the revolving facility), which liquidity amount must be no less than the trailing 90-day cash burn. We were in compliance with the covenants under the 2020 Credit Facility as of September 29, 2024.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
(amounts in thousands)
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024
Thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
37,271
$
17,556
Net cash used in investing activities
(63,199)
(79,372)
Net cash provided by financing activities
5,836
4,945
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
(20,092)
$
(56,871)
Operating Activities
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, cash provided by operating activities increased $19.7 million compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $21.2 million increase in income after excluding non-cash items and the impact of unfavorable working capital fluctuations of $1.5 million, which primarily related to the timing of payroll and other payments in the ordinary course of business.
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, cash used in investing activities was $(63.2) million, a decrease of $16.2 million compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. Investing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment of $57.7 million related to 15 gross new restaurant openings (excluding tenant improvement allowances), restaurants in process, renovations, and prepayments associated with the deployment of our Infinite Kitchen and other restaurant related equipment. In addition we had cash outflow for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 of $5.5 million related to purchases of intangible assets.
Investing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023 consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment of $74.9 million related to 37 gross new restaurant openings (excluding tenant improvement allowances), restaurants in process, renovations, and prepayments associated with the deployment of our Infinite Kitchen and other restaurants related equipment. In addition we had cash outflow for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023 of $4.5 million related to purchases of intangible assets.
Financing Activities
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, cash provided by financing activities increased $0.9 million compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2023. This was primarily due to an increase in proceeds received from stock option exercises offset by a payment associated with the contingent consideration.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, as well as reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our most significant estimates and judgments involve difficult, subjective, or complex judgements made by management. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To the extent that there are differences between our estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows will be affected. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of the date of this Quarterly Report.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have operations solely within the United States, and we are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of business. The primary risks we face are commodity price risks, interest rate risk, the effects of inflation, and macroeconomic risks. There have been no material changes to our exposure to market risks as described in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of such date. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are based on assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Because of their inherent limitations, we cannot guarantee that our disclosure controls and procedures will succeed in achieving their stated objectives in all cases, that they will be complied with in all cases, or that they will prevent or detect all misstatements.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We are subject to various claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations, and administrative proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. However, an increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which we incur greater liabilities than we currently anticipate, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During our last fiscal quarter, our directors and officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated the contracts, instructions or written plans for the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities set forth in the table below.
Type of Trading Arrangement
Name
Position
Action
Adoption/ Termination
Date
Rule 10b5-1*
Non-
Rule 10b5-1**
Total Shares of Class A Common Stock to be Sold***
Total Shares of Class A Common Stock to be Purchased
Expiration Date
Julie Bornstein
Director
Adoption
August 20, 2024
X
up to 8,928
N/A
November 19, 2025
Mitch Reback
Chief Financial Officer
Adoption
September 9, 2024
X
up to 332,000
N/A
December 9, 2025
* Contract, instruction or written plan intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act.
** “Non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.
*** Represents the maximum number of shares that may be sold pursuant to the 10b5-1 trading arrangement. The number of shares sold will be dependent on the satisfaction of certain conditions as set forth in the written plan.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
X
__________
† The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are not deemed filed with the SEC and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant under the Securities Act, whether made before or after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SWEETGREEN, INC.
Date: November 7, 2024
By:
/s/ Mitch Reback
Mitch Reback
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Duly Authorized Signatory)