Eating local and organically on the run can be stressful.  SweetGreen aims to make it a little easier to get tasty, good-for-you and the planet food.

SweetGreen dubs itself as “the answer to a new era of fast-casual dining.” Located in University City at 3925 Walnut St. SweetGreen Philadelphia is an ideal spot for Penn and Drexel students, or anyone in the neighborhood for that matter!

The company was founded by three Georgetown college students who were looking to feed themselves better.  Unhappy with the limited options available to them they decided to open up a casual café serving local fare. One of the best parts? Their Farm to Table initiative rotates fresh selections with each month, from summer gazpachos to hearty soups to warm your soul int he winter.

Since 2007, they’ve grown to 11 stores with locations in DC, PA, VA and MD.

SweetGreen Initiatives

SweetGreen has a sustainable mission and actively works to live that objective.  Their green initiatives include:

• Sourcing local and organic food
• Composting food scraps in their kitchens
• Stores furniture is made from reclaimed wood or old bowling alley wood
• Reclaimed and FSC certified materials used in construction
• Food packaging materials – including cups, bowls, and utensils –  are created from 100% plant-based compostable packing
• Offset 100% of energy with wind energy credits
• Partnering with local organizations like Fair Food, City Harvest & more

Check out their vegan ‘chic p’ salad (love !) and their make your own yogurts.  The menu is available here. With items starting around $7, it’s super affordable compared to mass-produced ‘trendy’ fast foods (we’re looking at you, Panera!)  All in all, very sweet.

I’m also digging their blog where they pontificate about music, art and food.

SweetGreen Philadelphia: If you Go

SweetGreen’s UPenn location is 3925 Walnut Street, Phila PA 19104. Hours are Sun-Sat, 11 AM – 10 PM. (215-386-1365)

Sweetgreen’s Ardmore location is 68 Coulter Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003. Hours are Sun-Sat, 10 AM – 10 PM. (610-642-9400)

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Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen. View all posts by Beth Funari