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In a world of increasing fast food chains and restaurants, one stands out against the rest. With cooking with fresh ingredients, focusing on health, sponsoring local nonprofits, and creating pathways for their employees, CAVA is steadily rising in popularity across the U.S.
Opened in 2010 by childhood best friends Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, Ted Xenohristos, and Brett Schulman, CAVA was created in efforts to share the food they loved and grew up eating in a casual format to all.
CAVA partners with family-run vendors, such as their olive oil supplier Stavros Manolakos. The pita bread provided with each bowl is supplied by local New York business Damascus Bakery, and their lemon paste is made in collaboration with immigrant-owned producer, New York Shuk. In addition to their efforts to support family-owned small businesses, CAVA partners with nonprofit organizations during their Community Days, cultivating change in communities. Throughout the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, they formalized an internship recruiting program with Howard University, required all team members to complete unconscious bias training, donated $50,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative, donated another $50,000 to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, offered time off to team members who voted in the general election, and expanded their existing community leave policy.
It is clear CAVA stands out on community action alone, but another captivating aspect of the chain is their social media. Unlike most large corporations, CAVA’s social media presence is active and follows today’s trends to reach larger audiences. For example, their TikTok follows trending sounds and videos, while actively replying to users’ comments. Their Instagram account regularly posts memes and unserious graphics, again replying to many of their followers’ comments.
Junior Austin La balances school with his part-time job at CAVA in Pasadena. Working between 18.5-28 hours a week, La talks about his experience with CAVA as an employee.
“My job is mainly serving people, sweeping, and cleaning. CAVA takes a customizable approach, so there are a ton of people I speak to on a daily basis.”
“I love my coworkers. I find it important to make friends at your job, and everyone was really welcoming when I first joined.” — When asked about the social aspect of his job, La replied.
AHS Junior Lyna Si is also an employee at CAVA Pasadena as her first job.
“I find it pretty easy to balance work and school, considering CAVA has such flexible schedules. I just joined; however, I’ve been welcomed with open arms by my coworkers there! The perks that come with the job are great too; I love my free meals every shift.”
There is no surprise that CAVA is increasing in popularity. After all, their efforts towards activism, a sense of community, and delicious food is distinct from other fast food restaurants. As the restaurant continues to grow and expand, we can only hope that these efforts do as well. In the meantime, visit your local CAVA and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal.
Photo Courtesy of Austin La
