Sweetgreen Will Appoint Molly Baz as Chef in Residence

The restaurant chain will launch a new chicken salad menu as part of its first-ever Chef in Residency program.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a fresh chicken Caesar salad on a plate, representing a new restaurant menu collaboration. — Sweetgreen will introduce chef Molly Baz as its first Chef in Residence on September 30, 2026, featuring three new chicken salad variations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sweetgreen will unveil Molly Baz as its first Chef in Residence on September 30, 2026. The partnership includes the debut of three chicken salad menu variations, marking the first time the chain has offered chicken salad.

Why it matters

The program was established to bring diverse culinary voices to the chain, with Baz designing the new menu to upgrade lunchtime meal options for customers. These items serve as the centerpiece for the brand new Lunch Means Business campaign.

Sweetgreen is introducing 3 distinct chicken salad menu items for a limited time. Molly Baz, the program lead, is also known for founding the mayonnaise brand Ayoh Mayo, which currently features 5 available flavors.

The players

Molly Baz

She is a culinary author of the books Cook This Book and More is More and the founder of the mayonnaise brand Ayoh Mayo.

Sweetgreen

This restaurant chain operates across the United States and is introducing its first Chef in Residency program.

The details

Molly Baz collaborated with the chain to develop three Caesar salad-inspired chicken dishes, which are marketed through a campaign that features the chef as a 1990s-style executive. Baz is a culinary author known for the titles Cook This Book and More is More.

September 30, 2026: Sweetgreen unveils its first Chef in Residence.
Through November 9, 2026: The limited-time menu items are available to customers.

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Culture Shift

This partnership follows the broader industry pattern of fast-casual restaurants leveraging influencer-chefs to refresh menu offerings and drive engagement. By tapping culinary personalities, chains aim to modernize their brand identity and appeal to younger, digitally-native consumers.

Customers across the country will be able to purchase the new chicken salad items starting September 30, 2026. These menu additions are only available for a limited window, with sales concluding on November 9, 2026.

The takeaway

This collaboration signals an effort by the brand to refresh its lunchtime menu with higher-profile culinary partnerships. Diners interested in these limited-time salads should plan to visit participating locations before the promotion expires in November.