Bank of America thinks momentum is on Sweetgreen's side, even as people return to the office at a slower-than-expected pace. Analyst Katherine Griffin upgraded Sweetgreen shares to buy from neutral, citing increasing foot traffic, sustained momentum in same-store sales growth and long-term plans to automate operations. "Sustained y/y visits growth suggests mobility continues to improve and SG [same-store sales growth] can maintain momentum, removing a key overhang on the stock," Griffin wrote in a Thursday note. The company's long-term plans to automate its kitchens could reduce labor intensity and help with margins, added the analyst. "Based on our saturation analysis, we see potential for SG to achieve its 1,000 [long-term] store growth target.

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Persons: Katherine Griffin, Griffin, Sweetgreen's, Sweetgreen, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: of America, SG Locations: Wednesday's