Danny Klein’s Post

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Editorial Director at QSR and FSR magazines

SNEAK PEEK TIME: CAVA CEO Brett Schulman fronts the cover of our July issue of QSR. I think everyone knows how hot CAVA is right now. The brand ended 2023 with 309 restaurants in 24 states and Washington, D.C. Across the year, it had 72 net openings. But now, the real journey begins. CAVA is a solo growth concept again after completing its Zoes conversions, with plans to reach 1,000 units and 15 percent yearly expansion. Throughout these past 14 years or so, when the brand began as a full-service restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, it's stayed on the forefront of innovation, whether through technology or culinary. Can it define “the next major cultural cuisine category?” I would not bet against it.

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Danny Klein

Editorial Director at QSR and FSR magazines

1mo

And yes, *shameless plug,* CAVA is among our speakers at this year's QSR Evolution Conference, talking on our panel about scaling culture with unit count. https://www.qsrevolutionconference.com/

Sarah Diehl

Founder of Empowered Hospitality | HR Leader | Culture Builder | Public Speaker

1mo

Cava is fantastic! Just hope culture doesn’t get put on the back burner as they scale - losing great talent is a brand killer.

Dan Jacome, CFA, FRM, CMT, CAIA, CIPM, CTP

Corporate Treasury at Surgery Partners, Inc | former sell-side & buy-side equity analyst

1mo

amazing run - steak is out most of the units we visit weekly though :( reminds me of the sweet potato shortage last year even during season. verona facility is a plus, seems another capacity build out may be needed in next few years ... when will mgmt raise guidance on the 1000k store goal - that is insanely conservative once you map out all MSAs and whitespace in suburbs with 100k+ income and < 75k population pockets they are so good at thus far in targeting

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Kelly Costanza

Chief People Officer at CAVA

1mo

There is no one more deserving. Brett Schulman is the best CEO any person to could hope to work with and an even better human being. Our culture thrives because of his leadership.

Jamie Taerbaum

Restaurant & Hospitality Growth Guru | Expert in Finding Top Hospitality Executives & Management

4w

CAVA's journey from a single full-service restaurant to a booming chain with 309 locations is nothing short of inspiring. Brett Schulman’s leadership and the brand's innovative approach have truly set them apart. With plans for 1,000 units and a focus on continued innovation, I’m excited to see how they shape the future of fast-casual dining. Betting against CAVA? Not a chance! 🚀

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Lou Magnelli

Vice President of Account Management at DMA (Distribution Market Advantage, Inc.)

1mo

Keep growing! We at DMA (Distribution Market Advantage, Inc.) are proud to be your partners!

Amy Lee

Culinary Marketer - Relationship Builder - Professional Food Stylist

1mo

I was recently at a CAVA location in Philly. Packed - extremely popular; really great.

Scott Lawton

CEO & Cofounder | Hospitality Industry, Team Building

1mo

Bravo Brett & Team Cava!

Eli Edelkind

Head of Cybersecurity @ CAVA

1mo

🐐

Michael Schatzberg

🔵Hospitality,Food Service,Technology,Innovation|Emerging Brands, Investor🚀Restaurant Owner|Venture Capitalist|Seed & Series A|Board Member|TechStars Mentor|Advisor|Co Founder|Managing Partner|Podcaster🎙️Talk Show Host

1mo

Looking 👀 good 😊 Brett Schulman CAVA

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