Cava Plans 17% Restaurant Growth in 2026 with 3–5% Sales Guidance
Cava plans to open 17% more restaurants in 2026 while targeting 3–5% same-store sales growth. The company will cap menu price hikes to appeal to value-focused customers as its 7x trailing price-to-sales ratio indicates much of its expansion is already reflected in the stock.
1. 2026 Expansion Plan
Cava aims to increase its restaurant count by 17% in 2026, marking one of its fastest unit growth phases. The expansion will add dozens of locations across existing and new markets to broaden its national footprint.
2. Sales Growth and Pricing Strategy
The company forecasts 3–5% same-store sales growth for fiscal 2026 and plans to limit menu price increases. This strategy is designed to attract value-oriented diners amid a competitive casual-dining environment.
3. Valuation Insights
Trading at a trailing price-to-sales ratio of approximately 7x, Cava sits at a premium to many casual-dining peers. This premium multiple suggests investors have already priced in a significant portion of the anticipated unit expansion and sales growth.