Sweetgreen Hires Starbucks Veteran as Chief People Officer
Sweetgreen appoints a new chief people officer, a guide to Rome's best restaurants is updated, and Gjelina alums prepare to open a French-American brasserie in a New York hotel.
The restaurant industry sees executive movement, culinary guidance, and a high-profile opening. Sweetgreen has appointed a human resources veteran to a key leadership role. A local expert has updated a definitive list of Rome's best dining establishments. Meanwhile, seasoned operators from the Gjelina group are set to launch a new brasserie on New York's Lower East Side.
Sweetgreen's New People Chief
Sweetgreen has hired Lauren Crowley as its new chief people officer, effective October 26. Crowley, who has over 20 years of HR experience, will report directly to co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman, succeeding Adrienne Gemperle after a transition period.
Crowley's background includes senior roles at Starbucks, Expedia Group, Whole Foods Market, and Dell. At Starbucks, she was director of partner resources, overseeing HR operations for more than 200,000 employees across over 15,000 U.S. stores. Neman stated that Crowley brings the strategic vision and people-first leadership needed for the chain's current stage. Her hiring is part of Sweetgreen's broader "Sweet Growth" turnaround plan, which focuses on operational excellence and investing in management training to strengthen teams and reduce turnover.
Rome's Best Restaurants
A best-selling local cookbook author has updated a guide to the 38 best restaurants in Rome. The list reflects the city's layered culinary scene, from historic family-run trattorias to newer establishments reinterpreting classics, and includes a range of pricing from quick, inexpensive meals to fine dining.
The guide notes that Rome's dining culture requires some navigation, with advance booking often essential. It was updated in October 2026 to include several new entries. Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi in San Giovanni now offers a larger space for cheese and dishes like tajarin. Taverna Cestia, a third-generation family spot near the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius, serves Roman classics and pizza. In Della Vittoria, Vetro pairs natural wines with small plates.
Buddy & Son Opens in Public Hotel
Shelley Armistead and chef Jake Epstein, both formerly of the Gjelina Group, will open Buddy & Son on October 26. The French-American brasserie is located at 215 Chrystie Street inside the Public Hotel on New York's Lower East Side.
Epstein, the opening executive chef for Gjelina New York, describes the concept as an "ingredient-driven French-American brasserie." The menu includes a seafood tower, Dover sole in beurre blanc, and a deboned half chicken. Chef de cuisine Dan Everhart and pastry chef Kimberly Limoncelli, who have worked with Epstein for years, are also part of the team. Armistead, who shepherded Gjelina's New York launch, developed the restaurant after Ian Schrager, the hotel's founder, offered her an ownership stake. The project moved quickly, with construction starting on August 10.
