While a senior at Georgetown, Nathaniel Ru, now 23, partnered with friends Jonathan Neman and Nicolas Jammet to develop an eco-friendly salad and frozen yogurt eatery. Ru graduated in 2007 and three months later sweetgreen opened, grossing over $1 million in its first year. Not a bad way to start a business career. (The trio plan to open a Dupont Circle location this month and Bethesda location soon).
HOW DOES SWEET GREEN STAY GREEN AND HOW WILL YOU PLAN TO BE EVEN MORE ECO-FRIENDLY IN THE FUTURE?
To us it’s not one level of staying “green”. It is a constant evolution of adding sustainable elements as they reflect to our approach to food. Currently, we are certified by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) and use 100% wind energy provided by Clean Currents.
YOU’RE OPENING TWO NEW LOCATIONS IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?
Not sure if it’s a secret, but I think the simplicity of our concept is key. We offer a healthy entrée with a healthy dessert with the best ingredients possible.
YOU’RE A POLO PLAYER AND A DJ.L WHERE DO YOU PERFECT YOUR SKILLS?
I am playing the America’s Cup this year with the First Chukker Team. I hear sweetgreen Dupont has a DJ that plays on Saturdays and Sundays…
FAVORITE WARM WEATHER WATERING HOLE?
My Patio
IF YOU HADN’T OPENED SWEETGREEN, YOU WOULD BE…
Traveling
THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ARE…
music, avocados, my moleskin journal
