CAVA Group, Inc. reports developments tied to its Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, including earnings releases, restaurant-level performance, same-restaurant sales, new unit growth and market expansion. The company operates company-owned CAVA restaurants and also has a CAVA Foods business that produces dips, spreads and certain dressing bases for restaurants and consumer packaged goods sales.
Company updates also include menu additions built around Mediterranean ingredients, digital order pick-up and delivery features at new restaurants, leadership appointments, board succession and other public-company governance matters. Recurring developments center on the restaurant base, food offerings and operating infrastructure within the limited-service restaurant and health-and-wellness food categories.
CAVA (CAVA) appointed John Ludeke as Chief Marketing Officer, with his role leading the marketing organization effective October 12, 2026. His remit includes brand differentiation, guest loyalty and engagement, digital experiences, and connecting marketing more directly to the restaurant experience.
Ludeke most recently served as Chief Brand Officer at Dr. Squatch, overseeing global brand and marketing functions. He brings more than 17 years of experience in consumer-brand marketing, including more than a decade at Monster Energy, where he led marketing across the Asia-Pacific region.
CAVA (CAVA) marked its 500th restaurant with a Minneapolis opening on September 23, 2026, bringing the chain into Minnesota. Its footprint now covers 30 states and the District of Columbia. CAVA says it is ahead of schedule and expects to surpass its goal of 1,000 restaurants by 2032. New restaurant productivity remains above 100%, and new restaurants generate more than $3 million in average annualized sales.
More than 15,000 team members work across CAVA today; the company expects to employ more than 30,000 by 2032. Its development plans span established, in-fill and new markets in suburban and urban areas. CAVA opened its first fast-casual restaurant in 2011. Over the past year, it added Glazed Salmon and Chicken Shawarma to its menu and introduced Garlic Ranch, Harissa BBQ and Cinnamon Sugar pita chip flavors.
CAVA Group (CAVA)/b) announced board approval of a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $100 million of its outstanding common stock.Repurchases may be executed in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or via other methods, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, with timing and amounts determined at the company’s discretion based on market and business conditions and prevailing stock prices. Open market purchases will comply with applicable federal securities laws. The authorization runs through September 17, 2027, but does not require the company to repurchase any specific amount of stock and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time. CAVA expects to fund any repurchases using a combination of existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations.
CAVA Group (NYSE: CAVA) reported fiscal second quarter 2026 revenue of $368.4 million, up about 31% year over year, driven by 9.0% Same Restaurant Sales growth, including 5.3% guest traffic growth. The company opened 17 net new CAVA restaurants, ending the period with 476 locations, a 19.6% increase from the prior year.
CAVA restaurant-level profit was $93.8 million with a 25.7% margin, down 60 basis points, reflecting higher salmon launch input costs, greater third-party delivery mix, and wage investments. Net income rose to $23.0 million (6.2% of revenue) and Adjusted EBITDA increased 30.0% to $54.7 million. Cash and cash equivalents reached $322.8 million. CAVA reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance, including 75–77 net new openings, Same Restaurant Sales growth of 4.5–6.5%, restaurant-level margin of 23.7–24.3%, and Adjusted EBITDA of $181–191 million.
CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) announced that Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Chief Retail Officer of Ulta Beauty, has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective July 29. Bayer-Thomas brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in specialty and department-store retail across operations, supply chain, talent development and real estate.
According to CAVA, she currently oversees store and services operations for over 1,500 Ulta Beauty locations and more than 60,000 associates, along with real estate growth, store design and loss prevention. Her background includes prior leadership roles at JCPenney and Limited Brands and board service at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter 2026 financial results and provide a business update. A press release with the results will be issued at approximately 4:10 PM Eastern Time the same day.
The call will be webcast live on CAVA’s investor relations website at investor.cava.com, where a recorded webcast will be available shortly after the call and remain accessible for up to one year.
CAVA (NYSE:CAVA) launched a Mediterranean Summer Supper Series with Airbnb Experiences, a three-part dining program across Los Angeles, New York, and a fan-voted city. Events feature themed communal tables, seasonal menus, and special hosts. On June 21, CAVA Rewards members receive free pita chips, including new Sumac Sour Cream & Onion.
CAVA (NYSE:CAVA) plans to hire over 2,500 new team members in 2026 while expecting to open more than 75 new restaurants across the U.S. The new “Flavor Your Future” platform emphasizes internal promotions, leadership development, equity incentives for General Managers, and expanded benefits supporting employees’ health, finances, education, families, and wellness.
CAVA (NYSE:CAVA) released its 2025 Impact Update, highlighting a milestone year with revenue surpassing $1 billion and 72 net new restaurants opened.
Key initiatives include the new Flavor Your Future people platform, over $1 million in community donations, 3,500+ team member promotions, and expanded sustainability efforts.
CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) has opened a new 3,660-square-foot restaurant at 1370 Polaris Pkwy in Columbus, Ohio, featuring dine-in, patio seating, digital order pickup, and delivery. Guests can customize Mediterranean bowls and pitas from billions of combinations, including the new Glazed Salmon option.
The Polaris Pkwy opening follows recent launches in Hilliard and Cincinnati, supporting CAVA’s goal of at least 1,000 restaurants by 2032. Now in 29 states and DC, CAVA expects to reach its 500th location this year. The restaurant will employ 25–40 local team members and supports community causes through its donation programs.