Sweetgreen is taking a page from Chipotle's playbook with its new 'Sweetlane' drive-thru — see how it works

Salad chain Sweetgreen is opening a new version of its drive-thru, called a "Sweetlane," in Illinois on November 15.

Customers can pick up customized Sweetgreen salads at the drive-thru window, just like they would at any fast food chain.

Unlike a standard fast food location, customers must place orders online through Sweetgreen's website or app.

Then, they can choose to pick it up inside, or at the drive-thru.

Because of the customized nature of Sweetgreen, there is no option to order at a speaker in the drive-thru itself.

But, Sweetgreen added a window to the drive-thru so waiting customers can watch their meals be made, replicating the in-store experience.

The location will also have dine-in and to-go ordering.

Sweetgreen's design looks very similar to Chipotle's "Chipotlane" concept, even down to the names.

Both chains grew with a "create your own" concept with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Sweetgreen, like Chipotle, tweaked the typical model of a drive-thru by requiring customers to order ahead, rather than while in line.

They both came up with names that evoke the idea of a drive-thru without actually using that term, which is more associated with fast food chains rather than fast casual.

Chipotlanes have been a huge success for Chipotle, with higher margins and more sales than traditional models.

Source: Insider

The same could prove true for Sweetgreen.

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