Report unveils Cava's strategic approaches based on their fundamental principles
In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, Cava has stood out as a beacon of change. Last year, the company made significant strides in various areas, including sustainability, employee development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Sustainability Initiatives
Cava's commitment to sustainability is evident in its day-to-day operations. Last year, the company promoted over 100 team members into greater leadership positions, fostering a culture of growth and development. Cava's focus on sustainability extends to its practices, such as using aluminum water bottles instead of plastic, which are more reusable and likely to be recycled.
Moreover, Cava is piloting a guest-facing waste station with clear signage to help consumers understand how to separate waste in restaurants, aiming to divert more waste from landfills. The company also sources sustainable ingredients, such as black beluga lentils from a collective of farms in Montana that practice sustainable agriculture, and Manoli Canoli olive oil from Sparta, Greece, courtesy of a long-term relationship with a family-owned business.
Employee Benefits and Development
Cava offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including health, dental, vision, and mental health insurance, 401K, a stock purchase plan, early-wage options, commuter benefits, tuition discounts, pet insurance, free and discounted food, and paid volunteer days. The company also has a Shoulder-to-Shoulder program, which requires support center team members to work at their local Cava for at least a two-hour shift each quarter, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
In addition, Cava's training programs are designed to help workers grow their careers, and top-performing team members are nominated to come to the support center in Washington, D.C. once each quarter for recognition and meetings with leadership and suppliers. The company also has an Allies in Motion (AIM) program, serving as a team member resource group designed to encourage "allyship and inclusion."
DEI Efforts
Despite the current status of DEI policies in the restaurant industry being marked by a mix of ongoing commitments and legal challenges, Cava has remained steadfast in its efforts. The company released its first Impact Report last week, highlighting its commitment and progress across the pillars of "heart, health, and humanity." Cava's founders, who come from immigrant families, were inspired by their parents' work in foodservice, leading to the company's focus on growing together and investing in its people.
However, the industry is facing mounting resistance from conservative groups and political forces opposing DEI efforts. In 2025, companies like Cracker Barrel and Texas Roadhouse have been targeted, with allegations that their DEI policies unlawfully favor certain races and sexes. Cava, however, prohibits suppliers from intentionally adding PFAS and conducts third-party testing to ensure compliance.
Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste is a priority at Cava. The company partners with the platform Too Good To Go to sell surplus food at a discount, with a percentage of income donated to nonprofits dedicated to ending hunger or battling food waste. Cava also donates surplus food to food banks to prevent it from ending up in landfills. The company's straws are made from a substrate from marine waste (seashells) that biodegrade in months.
In conclusion, Cava's approach to sustainability, employee development, and DEI is commendable. The company's efforts serve as a model for other businesses in the industry, demonstrating that it is possible to balance commitment to these important issues with commercial success. Cava ended 2024 with 367 units and more than 10,000 employees, a testament to its growing influence and impact.
- Cava's approach to sustainability, employee development, and DEI has earned recognition in the restaurant industry, with their efforts serving as a model for other businesses.
- By focusing on sustainability, Cava has reduced waste through practices like using aluminum water bottles and reducing food waste through partnerships with platforms like Too Good To Go.
- The company's comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, 401K, tuition discounts, and even benefits for pets, reflecting their concern for both employees' personal-finance and lifestyle needs.
- Cava's DEI efforts, despite resistance from some conservative groups, are evident in their first Impact Report and commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
- Technology plays a role in Cava's business, with the use of third-party testing to ensure compliance with regulations and substrates from marine waste for their biodegradable straws.
- Career development is a priority at Cava, as demonstrated by their leadership training programs, employee nominations for recognition, and skills-training opportunities for top-performing team members.
