CAVA

Cava is a rapidly expanding, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant brand operated by Cava Group, Inc., which also acquired Zoe’s Kitchen in 2018. As of 2025, Cava operates approximately 382 locations across 26 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and has ambitious plans to reach 1,000 restaurants by 2032, with 62–68 new openings expected in 2025 alone. The brand’s average unit volume is approximately $2.9 million, placing it among the top performers in the fast-casual sector. Cava’s real estate strategy is land-intensive and focuses on high-visibility, high-access suburban and urban sites, often repurposing former Zoe’s Kitchen locations or developing ground-up units tailored to off-premise efficiency, including features like digital pickup shelves and drive-thru lanes. Store footprints vary but typically fall in the 2,500 to 3,100 square foot range. The company favors locations in lifestyle centers, suburban power centers, and walkable mixed-use developments, and often shares trade areas with brands like Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, Portillo’s, and Chipotle.