Cava launches hiring push to add 2,500 team members
The fast-casual chain plans to open 75 restaurants this year, and has created a "Flavor Your Future" initiative to promote career growth and move team members up the ladder.
June 9, 2026
Cava is hiring. And it’s not alone in that regard.
The fast-casual chain on Tuesday announced a goal of hiring more than 2,500 new team members this year, as the brand adds about 75 new restaurants. Last year, Cava added a net of 72 new units.
And, perhaps taking a page from fast-casual peer Chipotle with national hiring campaigns, Cava is promoting its “Flavor Your Future” career-building initiative to draw in candidates looking for a workplace in which to grow.
“The most rewarding part of our growth is seeing our team members grow alongside the company,” said Kelly Costanza, Cava’s chief people officer, in a statement. “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, for example, in December created a new assistant general manager position. Those AGMs are in roughly half of the chain’s 459 units, and, so far, those restaurants tend to perform better than those without, said CEO Brett Schulman during the chain’s first-quarter earnings report last month.
Cava said it has already surpassed its goal to hire more than 150 into AGM roles this year, and about 60% have been promoted from within.
Cava said it has expanded rewards for leaders. General managers are now eligible for long-term incentive equity grants, for example, along with other incentives tied to hiring and promotion performance.
Benefits overall include medical, dental, vision and telemedicine healthcare coverage for eligible team members, as well as a 401k plan — with matching after a year of service — an employee stock purchase plan, and early wage access.
Cava also offers tuition support, parental and bereavement leave, wellness programs, and perks like pet insurance or free and discounted meals during shifts.
Cava is pushing to reach 1,000 restaurants by 2030.
“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, Cava’s chief operating officer, in a statement. “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.”
Restaurant hiring overall is picking up this year. Restaurant and bars added 48,000 jobs in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the industry was one of the top job creators. The overall economy added 172,000 jobs that month and the unemployment rate was 4.3%.
About the Author
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
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