Booming Mediterranean Fast-Casual Chain Coming to North County

Thanks to a fervent following and a recent round of funding, Washington, DC-based Cava Grill is expected to grow to over 70 locations across 10 states by the end of the year. The rapidly-multiplying, fast-casual chain is adding San Diego to its grand expansion plans, launching first in Encinitas and Carmel Valley with more reportedly in the pipeline.

Cava Grill is a spinoff of the popular Cava Mezze restaurants in the DC area, founded by first-generation Greek Americans Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Executive Chef Dimitri Moshovitis. The eatery, which also sells a line of small-batch dips and spreads at Whole Foods Markets and other specialty stores, serves a scratch-made, customizable Mediterranean menu that features buildable dishes based on salad greens, pitas, rice, and lentil bowls that are topped with dips and proteins ranging from jalepeno-infused feta mousse to spicy lamb meatballs and cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh. It’s also known for seasonal soups and juices.

The chain’s first San Diego store will open this summer in Encinitas Town Center at 1042 N El Camino Real; the 2,684-square-foot eatery will seat 52 people. Cava Grill is also joining the already-impressive roster at Carmel Valley’s new One Paseo complex, where its 2,160-square-foot, 28-seat space joins Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Shake Shack, and Tender Greens among other. CAVA Del Mar will be 2,160 square feet and will seat 28 people at 3722 Paseo Place located at One Paseo. Both will operate from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.