Cava opens 500th restaurant, enters Minnesota market

Cava (NYSE: CAVA) opened its 500th restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking the Mediterranean fast-casual chain's entry into its 31st state, according to a company press release. The location at 622 Washington Avenue SE also represents Cava's presence in 30 states and the District of Columbia.

The company, which opened its first fast-casual location in 2011, said new restaurant productivity remains above 100%, with new locations generating more than $3 million in average annualized sales. Cava said it is ahead of schedule toward a stated goal of at least 1,000 restaurants by 2032.

The company currently employs more than 15,000 team members and said it expects that figure to exceed 30,000 by 2032. Each new restaurant opening involves approximately 45 to 50 team members who undergo training, supported by two new restaurant opening leads and 10 station trainers.

All four co-founders — Brett Schulman, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Ted Xenohristos — attended the Minneapolis ribbon-cutting ceremony. The opening also included a charitable donation to The Food Group, a Minnesota-based organization focused on food insecurity. Cava's Community Day program has raised more than $1 million in monetary and food donations since 2019.

"Reaching 500 restaurants is a defining moment for CAVA and a reflection of how far we've come," said Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO. "It represents the passion of more than 15,000 CAVA team members, the strength of the brand we have built together, and the deep connection our food and hospitality have created with guests across the country."

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