CAVA to Hire 2,500 Employees This Year

WASHINGTON — CAVA, the Mediterranean quick-service restaurant chain, plans to hire more than 2,500 new team members while expecting to open over 75 new restaurants this year.

CAVA operates 459 restaurants in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

“The most rewarding part of our growth is seeing our team members grow alongside the company,” said Kelly Costanza, Chief People Officer at CAVA. “Whether someone is stepping into a leadership role or just getting started, we want CAVA to be a place where they can build a future they’re proud of.”

CAVA recently launched the new Assistant General Manager (AGM) role, designed to build a deeper bench of role-ready leaders to support the company’s rapid growth. The company set out to fill more than 150 AGM roles this year and has already surpassed this goal. This added layer of leadership will strengthen day-to-day operations, accelerate the development of future leaders, and help build more sustainable restaurant teams over time.

CAVA continues to prioritize internal mobility and leadership development:

• 3,500+ restaurant team members celebrated advancements and promotions in 2025.
• 60% of Assistant General Managers (AGMs) have been promoted from within since the role launched in December 2025.

CAVA is expanding how it recognizes and rewards its leaders through new performance and equity-based incentives. In addition, all General Managers are now eligible for long-term incentive (LTI) equity grants, giving them a direct stake in the company’s success, while additional incentives tied to GM hiring and promotion performance further align leadership growth with overall business impact.

“We’re in an exciting season of growth at CAVA as we continue expanding our Mediterranean way to more guests and communities across the country,” said Doug Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at CAVA. “Our company’s growth is only possible with our team members’ growth. Through meaningful opportunities to develop, lead and build lasting careers, investing in our people isn’t separate from our success — it’s what drives it.”

CAVA offers employees the following benefits:

• Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine for eligible team members
• Financial wellbeing support through bonus opportunities, a 401(k) plan after 60 days of service with company match after a year of service, employee stock purchase plan, and early wage access
• Education support, including tuition discounts for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Family-focused benefits such as paid parental and bereavement leave, employee assistance programs, and legal and identity protection services
• Wellness offerings that include mental health support for all employees and their families
• Everyday perks like commuter benefits, pet insurance, and free or discounted meals during shifts