One of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country is embarking upon a plan to build upwards of 77 new locations before the end of this year.
Based in Washington, D.C., the Cava Grill, also known simply as Cava, has seen explosive growth nationally in the last several years, jumping from 181 restaurants in the fall of 2021 to just under 460 today.
Founded in 2006, the chain specializes in a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes and salads, accounting for upwards of $960 million in revenue last year.
Described as “fast-casual” restaurants, Cava’s expansion plans have been fired by strong revenue growth, which according to its most recent earnings statement, saw a 20% increase during the first quarter of this year over the first three months of 2025.
In explaining those figures, Brett Schulman, Cava chief executive officer, said the company’s good fortune has been a “direct byproduct of the structural strength of our business and the dominant position we hold as the industry leader in Mediterranean, a cuisine category we have pioneered, defined, and continued to shape.”
With upwards of more than $15 million in what the publication Inc. calls “free cash flow,” Cava is for the most part funding its own facility growth, “giving management the confidence and financial runway guidance” to commit to building new restaurants.
Noting that there are now Cava restaurant in 29 states as well as the District of Columbia, Schulman remarked: “Our expansion continues with both intention and incredible momentum, reflected by recent new market openings at Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Columbus, and our upcoming entry into Minneapolis, Minnesota later this year.”
The company currently has seven restaurants in Arizona; 13 in Colorado; and around 75 in Texas.
With a modern, sleek design the typical Cava restaurants measure some 2,000- to 3,000-square- feet and includes kitchen space, assembly counters, and seating for up to 55 people.
In recent years the brand has moved away from its initial minimalistic aesthetic, notes the publication Restaurant Spaces, to “designs that incorporate natural light, softer seating, and elements that create more inviting spaces.”
June 30, 2026
By Garry Boulard
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