CAVA Opens First Downtown Detroit Location, Expanding Mediterranean Fast-Casual Presence in Michigan

CAVA will open its second Michigan location and first in the Detroit metro area on September 26 at 636 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant features an indoor dining room along with digital order pick-up and delivery capabilities, marking a significant expansion for the Mediterranean fast-casual brand in the Midwest region.

The new Detroit location continues CAVA's commitment to delivering bold, flavor-packed Mediterranean cuisine with customizable menu options that offer over 17 billion possible combinations. Guests can choose from chef-curated bowls and pitas, popular pita chips, various dips, and house-made juices. The restaurant recently introduced Chicken Shawarma as a limited-time protein option available at all locations nationwide, adding to its diverse menu offerings.

Jeff Gaul, Chief Development Officer of CAVA, expressed enthusiasm about the Detroit expansion, noting the positive reception the brand received in Canton earlier this summer. The company's growth strategy includes bringing Mediterranean hospitality and high-quality meals to new markets while advancing its mission to incorporate heart, health, and humanity into food service. This expansion reflects CAVA's confidence in its unique blend of flavor, culture, and hospitality resonating with diverse communities across the country.

Following company tradition, CAVA held a Community Day event before the official opening, raising funds for Food Rescue US – Detroit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing food access. Since 2019, this community program has generated over $1 million in donations and food contributions, focusing specifically on organizations addressing food insecurity in local communities. The company matches donations up to $1,000 during these events, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility.

The Detroit opening represents another milestone in CAVA's aggressive expansion plan, which targets at least 1,000 restaurants by 2032. The company recently celebrated opening its 400th location and now operates in 28 states plus the District of Columbia. Prior to the grand opening, CAVA donated fresh meals prepared during staff training to local community members, continuing a national food donation program launched in fall 2023 to combat food insecurity and reduce waste during new location openings.

The new Detroit restaurant will create 25-40 local jobs, with CAVA emphasizing its commitment to hiring team members for their hospitality qualities and creating career pathways. Employees receive competitive compensation and benefits including paid time off, healthcare coverage, early wage access, complimentary CAVA meals, an Employee Assistance Program, and mental health support services. The Woodward Avenue location will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., providing extended service hours for downtown workers and residents.

CAVA's expansion into downtown Detroit signals continued growth in the fast-casual Mediterranean segment and represents an important development for the city's dining landscape. The company has additional Michigan expansion plans scheduled for later this year, indicating sustained investment in the region's restaurant market. This growth strategy positions CAVA to capitalize on increasing consumer demand for healthy, customizable dining options while maintaining its focus on community engagement and social responsibility.