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At RestaurantSpaces, CAVA's SVP of Design & Construction Melissa Ng revealed the Mediterranean chain's most ambitious redesign yet. After 13 years of industrial chic design, the brand is moving away from its concrete-and-steel aesthetic in favor of warm, inviting spaces that bring Mediterranean hospitality to life.
The Big Picture
As the fast-casual chain races toward 1,000 locations by 2032, it's making a billion-dollar bet that restaurant design can transform the fast-casual dining experience through "Project Soul" — a complete reimagining of its physical spaces.
By The Numbers
- 341 current locations
- 600+ new restaurants planned by 2032
- $1B+ estimated investment in expansion and redesign
Behind The Scenes
CAVA is moving beyond its early minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean palettes and stark design, to embrace authentic Mediterranean elements. Customer feedback highlighted the need for warmth and authenticity, leading to designs that incorporate natural light, softer seating, and elements that create more inviting spaces.
The Strategy
CAVA is threading the needle between authentic design and operational efficiency:
- Natural materials and warm textures replace sterile surfaces
- Modular seating and durable finishes ensure spaces can handle high traffic
- Strategic tech integration (pickup shelves, digital ordering) speeds service without sacrificing ambiance
What they're saying: "We're creating environments where people want to come with friends and family, sit down, and partake in the oldest social act known to humankind.''says Ng. "It's not about making spaces indestructible—it's about making them easily maintainable."
Between the lines: The redesign comes at a crucial moment for CAVA, which went public last year and faces pressure to prove it can scale while maintaining its brand identity.
Reality check: Fast-casual competitors like Sweetgreen and Shake Shack have been investing heavily in upscale store designs, raising the bar for the entire sector.
What's Next
Pilot locations in Chicago, Houston, and Fort Worth will test the new design concepts as CAVA continues its nationwide expansion."We're creating environments where people want to come with friends and family, sit down, and partake in the oldest social act known to humankind."The bottom line: While many competitors chase delivery and takeout growth, CAVA is betting that creating spaces where people want to linger over a meal — not just grab and go — will give it a leading edge.
You can enjoy Melissa Ng’s full talk below:
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