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.
Cava is fantastic! Just hope culture doesn’t get put on the back burner as they scale - losing great talent is a brand killer.
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
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.
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! 🚀
Keep growing! We at DMA (Distribution Market Advantage, Inc.) are proud to be your partners!
I was recently at a CAVA location in Philly. Packed - extremely popular; really great.
Bravo Brett & Team Cava!
🐐
Looking 👀 good 😊 Brett Schulman CAVA
Editorial Director at QSR and FSR magazines
1moAnd 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/