Cava Mezze Grill

CAVA is a prominent name in the fast-casual dining scene across the United States, known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu. The company began in 2006 when three friends, Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Dimitri Moshovitis, opened a full-service restaurant called Cava Mezze in Rockville, Maryland. Their goal was to share the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a wider audience. By 2011, they had introduced a new concept, Cava Mezze Grill, in Bethesda, Maryland, offering a fast-casual dining experience with customizable bowls, pitas, and salads. This format quickly gained popularity for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Under the leadership of CEO Brett Schulman, who joined in 2009, CAVA expanded its reach beyond restaurants, venturing into grocery stores with a line of packaged dips and spreads. A significant turning point for the company came in 2018 when Cava Group, the parent company, acquired Zoës Kitchen. This acquisition allowed CAVA to convert many Zoës locations into CAVA restaurants, a process completed by 2023. In June 2023, CAVA went public on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a major milestone in its growth journey.

As of April 2025, CAVA operates 382 company-owned locations nationwide, with a strong presence in key urban and suburban markets. The brand has strategically focused on expanding in areas such as New York, Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, and Connecticut. CAVA has embraced digital innovation by opening kitchens dedicated to online orders and delivery, catering to the growing demand for convenience and health-focused dining options.

CAVA's continued expansion and investment in new market formats, including digital-only kitchens and catering services, underscore its robust growth strategy. The company's strong brand recognition, operational consistency, and commitment to quality make it an attractive tenant for landlords and developers. With its centralized ownership structure, CAVA ensures streamlined decision-making and maintains consistent brand standards across all locations, offering confidence in its long-term tenancy and adaptability in the evolving retail landscape.