From Mediterranean roots to nationwide expansion, CAVA brings heart, health, and humanity to food. CAVA isn’t just another restaurant chain. It’s on a mission not just to serve food but to serve a movement. It is a beacon of innovation, health, and Mediterranean flavors, transforming the way America eats.
The Genesis of a Culinary Innovator
CAVA’s journey began in 2006 with the opening of the first full-service Cava Mezze restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, founded by three childhood friends, all sons of Greek immigrants. They had a vision to bring their modern perspectives to their families’ rich, healthful traditions of Mediterranean cuisine to the United States. When CEO Brett Schulman later joined the company as their fourth partner and co-founded the fast-casual concept in 2010, he and his team weren’t content with merely introducing a new flavor to the market. They sought to intertwine taste with health, offering a dining experience where every meal is a delight to the senses and a boon to well-being. With the Mediterranean diet’s growing acclaim, CAVA positioned itself at the intersection of culinary delight and modern health trends, promising satisfaction without compromise.
In Brett’s words: “CAVA is codifying Mediterranean food in a fast, convenient format for unique cuisine where taste and health unite. The Mediterranean diet has been the number one ranked diet in the United States for seven years running. As our country gets more diverse and people’s palates are shifting, seeking bolder and more adventurous flavors, that, when married with modern health and wellness trends, that’s where CAVA comes in.”
More Than Just Food
CAVA is more than a restaurant – it’s a lifestyle. Emphasizing that CAVA’s offerings naturally boast a nutritious profile, Brett speaks to the ancient traditions of Mediterranean eating, which prioritize balance and enjoyment over restrictive dieting. “Customers appreciate the health benefits of our cuisine and the fact that they don’t need to compromise or sacrifice to enjoy it,” Brett elucidates. “Adhering to strict diets can be challenging for many, but at CAVA, the process is simple. You choose your preferred dishes, enjoy a satisfying meal, and leave feeling good about your choices.”
This ethos extends beyond the menu, with a focus on hospitality that makes every guest feel welcomed, valued, and part of a larger community.
Innovation at Every Turn
Innovation lies at the core of CAVA’s DNA. For CAVA, it is continuing to think about its core purpose and core mission of bringing heart, health, and humanity to food. From digital pickup lanes, digital order channels, and efficient operations to a vertically integrated supply chain, CAVA reimagines what fast-casual dining can be.
CAVA has a manufacturing facility in Maryland and a second one opening in Southwest Virginia. These facilities create unique, differentiated production at scale of their dips, spreads, and dressing bases. “We’ve taken that complexity out of the restaurant, allowing our teams to deliver those products with consistency, chef quality, and cost-effectiveness that would be impossible without this vertical production infrastructure,” Brett shares.
In fact, the majority of CAVA’s ingredients are sourced directly from growers, ranchers, and producers, highlighting CAVA’s commitment to quality, consistency, and sustainability.
The brand’s assembly line format not only ensures efficiency but also allows for personalization, making each meal uniquely satisfying.
The Future is Bright
Looking ahead, CAVA sets its sights on exponential growth, with plans to expand to 1,000 restaurants by 2032. Yet, despite this ambitious expansion, Brett emphasizes the importance of maintaining a personal connection with each customer, leveraging technology to deepen relationships without losing the human touch. The introduction of a reimagined loyalty program and the exploration of new markets signal CAVA’s ongoing evolution, always with an eye on what made it special from the start.
Setting Trends, Forging Connections
In an era dominated by digital interactions, CAVA bets on the enduring value of human connection. “This is counterintuitive to technology in the digital world, but human connection is going to be a massive trend. The demise of the dining room is greatly exaggerated,” Brett asserts. He and his team predict a resurgence of the dining room experience, complemented by, but not replaced by, technological advancements. Personalization and hospitality, powered by AI and operational innovations, are set to redefine the customer experience, making every interaction with CAVA feel unique, seen, and appreciated.
CAVA is more than a tale of business success; it’s a narrative of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As CAVA continues to break new ground, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and a commitment to making the world a healthier, more connected place – one meal at a time.
