Marketing

Tennis star Naomi Osaka becomes Sweetgreen's youngest investor

Naomi Osaka, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, has invested in Sweetgreen to become the brand's first national athlete ambassador. Provided

May 6, 2021

Naomi Osaka, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, has invested in Sweetgreen to become the brand's first national athlete ambassador and youngest investor to date.

"Our goal is a big one: to change the way brands and athletes speak to future generations about the importance of what they eat," Nathaniel Ru, co-founder and chief brand officer, said in a company press release. "Sweetgreen is honored to partner with Naomi because she stands for what she believes in and uses her platform to educate and inspire the next generation."

Osaka worked with Sweetgreen's culinary team to design a custom bowl debuting Thursday and includes warm quinoa, baby spinach, cilantro, tomato, tortilla chips, raw carrots, goat cheese, blackened chicken, lime-cilantro jalapeno vinaigrette, avocado and hot sauce.

"As an athlete, what I put into my body directly correlates to how I perform and eating delicious, healthy foods fuels my daily routine," Osaka said in the release. "I'm excited about the work we're doing together to create a positive impact."

In celebration of their partnership, Sweetgreen and Naomi, are jointly supporting The Asian American Foundation in its effort to advance equity. On May 26, 100% of sales from every Naomi Osaka Bowl will support AAPI-led organizations increasing food access in AAPI communities.

Founded in 2007, Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen has more than 110 locations.