Cava Plans to Scale from 460 to 1,000 Stores Without New Funding
CMG•Cava operates over 460 restaurants across the United States and plans to double its footprint to 1,000 locations without raising additional capital. Founder and CEO Brett Schulman highlights that the expansion leverages digital menu boards, streamlined operations and its Mediterranean-inspired model to drive growth in existing and new markets.
1. Rapid Expansion from 10 to 460 Units
Since its origins as a single full-service Mediterranean restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, Cava has grown to over 460 fast-casual locations nationwide, marking a more than 45-fold increase in unit count as it refines its fast-serve format.
2. Path to 1,000 Stores Without New Capital
CEO Brett Schulman explains that the next phase will push the chain to 1,000 restaurants by reinvesting operating cash flow, deploying digital menu boards and optimizing supply-chain processes rather than pursuing new funding rounds.
3. Operational Foundations and Hospitality Model
The concept draws on founders’ experience in full-service hospitality and Whole Foods dip sales to offer Mediterranean-inspired bowls, pita chips and dips, blending digital ordering with high-turnover, health-focused menus to sustain rapid unit growth.
