CAVA Opens First St. Louis Location, Eyes Midwest Expansion — CAVA Group, Inc.

Event summary

CAVA opened its first St. Louis-area location in Cottleville on April 17, 2026.
The 2,900-square-foot restaurant employs 25-40 local workers and features digital order pickup.
A second suburban St. Louis location is planned for later this year.
CAVA donated meals to the St. Louis Area Foodbank as part of its Community Day program.

The big picture

CAVA continues its aggressive expansion, now operating in 29 states with plans for 1,000 locations by 2032. The St. Louis entry follows recent Midwest growth, positioning the brand to compete in both limited-service dining and health-focused food categories. The company benefits from demographic shifts favoring ethnic diversity and demand for healthier fast-casual options.

What we're watching

Midwest Growth Pace: Whether CAVA can sustain its rapid Midwest expansion following recent openings in Detroit, Canton, and Indianapolis.
Market Penetration: How the St. Louis market will respond to CAVA's Mediterranean concept compared to established regional players.
Operational Execution: The company's ability to maintain quality and service standards across its growing national footprint.