We spoke with Ted Xenohristos, one of the founders and Chief Concept Officer of CAVA, about the restaurant’s continued expansion, how Federal Realty has been the ideal partner for the brand, and why Pike & Rose was the perfect location for CAVA’s founders to debut their two passion project restaurants, Julii and Melina.
We know that celebrating food and family are the pillars that brought CAVA to life, but what factors fueled the drove to expand into 250+ locations?
Our motivation hasn’t changed since we opened the first CAVA restaurant: We want to take care of people and share the great food we grew up with. I remember my mom cooking with simple ingredients that came together to create all these amazing layers of flavor — food that tastes incredible, makes you feel good, and just happens to be healthy. Everyone was always welcome, and sitting at the table was our way of connecting. Expanding CAVA is our way of bringing these experiences to as many people as possible.
Were there any milestone moments that proved an indication it was time to enter new markets?
After CAVA took off in the DC area, we went to California, which at the time was at the forefront of people being more conscious of what they ate and more adventurous with food. Since then, both trends have taken off, which creates exciting opportunities for us. As we grow, we’ve yet to find a market where people don’t love CAVA.
When looking at either a new market or a new opportunity, what are some of the criteria you have when leasing restaurant space?
Our concept has broad appeal across genders, generations, and income levels, in suburbs and cities, and from coast to coast, and that gives us plenty of flexibility in terms of market entry and the kinds of spaces we choose. When we come to a new market, we like to open three or four restaurants at once, which immediately sparks interest in CAVA, and lets us leverage things like distribution and our training teams.
What role has Federal played throughout CAVA’s expansion?
Federal has been a great partner. They understand our business and how we like to work. They can move fast with us but also bring a lot of stability. Most importantly, they’re aligned with our mission of bringing heart, health, and humanity to food. Relationships are central to who we are at CAVA, and we have a high level of collaboration and trust with Federal. They’re less of a landlord, and more of a partner.
“Relationships are central to who we are at CAVA, and we have a high level of collaboration and trust with Federal.”
Are there any restaurant trends that you feel helped facilitate expansion?
We think the time is right for CAVA. Our country is getting more diverse, and we’re seeing people move toward more adventurous flavors. At the same time, consumers, especially younger generations, expect food to taste great and be good for them, and they want deep, authentic connections.
Can you tell us a little about the idea behind Julii?
We like to put our own spin on traditional ideas, and Julii is our version of a French bistro. French cooking is the foundation of the menu but with a taste of the Mediterranean.
Why did you want this to be separate from CAVA?
Both are great concepts, but they’re very different. CAVA is about warmth and energy, whereas Julii is a small, fun, and intimate space.
Are there any restaurant industry trends you’d like to experiment with Julii?
Nothing specific. What we’re seeing across all kinds of restaurant formats is consumers’ desire for flavors they haven’t tasted before or are tasting in a new way. Our innovation strategy is aimed at giving people food that’s unique but also approachable, and we have a solid process to make sure new menu items will resonate with our guests
Location is always important when it comes to launching a new restaurant. Why did you select Pike & Rose to launch that restaurant?
Pike & Rose is just an incredible space. It’s beautiful and modern, but also playful and warm. It blends shopping, dining, and living in a way we haven’t seen before and that feels organic and authentic.
“[Pike & Rose] blends shopping, dining, and living in a way we haven’t seen before and that feels organic and authentic.”
What was the thinking behind adding the sister restaurant Melina to that location?
Pike & Rose is livable and walkable, but it’s also an accessible destination. That, and our relationships with Federal, make it a great place to introduce people to Melina, our higher-end modern Greek concept.
Can you give us a hint of any future plans for expansion?
I’ll just say that there’s plenty of opportunity ahead of us, and we’re at the beginning of what’s possible.
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