Cava plans 1,000 new U.S. locations by 2032

Cava, a popular salad chain, has opened its first restaurant in Indianapolis. This new location in Fishers, Indiana, is the first of two planned openings in the area this year. Cava's CEO, Brett Schulman, shared excitement about bringing their Mediterranean flavors to Indiana. The Fishers restaurant covers 3,000 square feet and has seating for 40 customers. It also includes a digital pickup area for online orders. Cava is known for its customizable salad bowls that focus on health, and it has been gaining popularity quickly. Last year, Cava had 367 restaurants and expects to grow by at least 17% in 2025. The company opened 58 new restaurants in the past fiscal year. Currently, Cava operates in 26 states and Washington D.C. Its goal is to reach 1,000 locations by 2032. Cava's CFO, Tricia Tolivar, mentioned plans to enter new markets, including South Florida, Detroit, and Pittsburgh this year. She noted that the company has seen strong performance in its new openings, including Chicago. In a recent announcement, Schulman said Cava will not add kiosks to its locations. This decision aims to enhance customer interactions and create a more welcoming environment. The Indianapolis opening follows Cava's successful debut in the Midwest, which happened less than a year ago in Chicago.