CAVA GROUP, INC., 10-K filed on 2/27/2024
Annual Report
v3.24.0.1
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Feb. 19, 2024
Jul. 09, 2023
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2023    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-41721    
Entity Registrant Name CAVA Group, Inc.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 47-3426661    
Entity Address, Address Line One 14 Ridge Square NW    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 500    
Entity Address, City or Town Washington    
Entity Address, State or Province DC    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 20016    
City Area Code 202    
Local Phone Number 400-2920    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share    
Trading Symbol CAVA    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company true    
Entity Ex Transition Period false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 2.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   114,002,237  
Documents Incorporated by Reference
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the registrants fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
   
Entity Central Index Key 0001639438    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
v3.24.0.1
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Firm ID 34
Auditor Name Deloitte & Touche LLP
Auditor Location McLean, Virginia
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 332,428 $ 39,125
Trade accounts receivable, net 3,662 2,827
Other accounts receivable 8,223 4,908
Inventories 5,637 5,139
Prepaid expenses and other 4,962 6,151
Total current assets 354,912 58,150
Property and equipment, net 330,730 242,983
Operating lease assets 289,451 273,876
Goodwill 1,944 1,944
Intangible assets, net 1,355 1,382
Other long-term assets 5,365 5,548
Total assets 983,757 583,883
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 17,234 14,311
Accrued expenses and other 59,219 40,468
Operating lease liabilities - current 32,583 29,539
Total current liabilities 109,036 84,318
Deferred income taxes 79 28
Operating lease liabilities 303,615 285,194
Other long-term liabilities 225 538
Total liabilities 412,955 370,078
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Preferred stock:    
Redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 250,000 and 111,874 shares authorized; zero and 95,204 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 0 662,308
Stockholders' equity:    
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 2,500,000 and 150,000 shares authorized; 113,708 and 1,409 issued and outstanding, respectively 11 0
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,086 shares and 886 shares, respectively (9,727) (6,619)
Additional paid-in capital 1,028,181 19,059
Accumulated deficit (447,663) (460,943)
Total stockholders’ equity 570,802 (448,503)
Total liabilities, preferred stock and stockholders' equity $ 983,757 $ 583,883
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Redeemable preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 250,000,000 111,874,000
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0 95,204,000
Redeemable preferred stock. issued (in shares) 0 95,204,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,500,000,000 150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 113,708,000 1,409,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 113,708,000 1,409,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 1,086,000 886,000
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Total revenue $ 728,700 $ 564,119 $ 500,072
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization)      
Food, beverage, and packaging 213,458 179,988 154,772
Labor 187,326 157,891 143,395
Occupancy 58,319 53,669 49,299
Other operating expenses 89,251 74,587 70,453
Total restaurant operating expenses 548,354 466,135 417,919
General and administrative expenses 101,491 70,037 64,792
Depreciation and amortization 47,433 42,724 44,538
Restructuring and other costs 6,080 5,923 6,839
Pre-opening costs 15,718 19,313 8,194
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,899 19,753 10,542
Total operating expenses 723,975 623,885 552,824
Income (loss) from operations 4,725 (59,766) (52,752)
Other income (expense):      
Interest (income) expense, net (8,852) 47 4,810
Other income, net (471) (919) (20,288)
Income (loss) before income taxes 14,048 (58,894) (37,274)
Provision for income taxes 768 93 117
Net income (loss) $ 13,280 $ (58,987) $ (37,391)
Earnings (loss) per share:      
Basic (in usd per share) $ 0.22 $ (44.41) $ (51.06)
Diluted (in usd per share) $ 0.21 $ (44.41) $ (51.06)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 60,512 1,328 732
Diluted (in shares) 63,448 1,328 732
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Deficit
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2020 80,086,000            
Beginning Balance at Dec. 27, 2020 $ 478,941            
Redeemable Preferred Stock              
Issuance of Series F convertible Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs $7.9 million (in shares) 16,901,000            
Issuance of Series F convertible Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs $7.9 million $ 204,068            
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock (in shares) (1,783,000)            
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock $ (20,701)            
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2021 95,204,000            
Ending Balance at Dec. 26, 2021 $ 662,308            
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2020     317,000        
Beginning balance at Dec. 27, 2020 (360,428)   $ 0 $ (128) $ 4,841 $ (365,141)  
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2020       41,000      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Equity-based compensation 5,351     $ 2,108 3,243    
Shares purchased under equity plans (in shares)     1,224,000        
Shares purchased under equity plans 7,135       7,135    
RSU vesting (in shares)     289,000        
RSU vesting 0            
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (in shares)     66,000 66,000      
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (260)     $ (260)      
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock (in shares)     640,000 640,000      
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock (7,428)     $ (7,428)      
Net income (loss) (37,391)         (37,391)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2021     1,124,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 26, 2021 $ (393,021) $ 576 $ 0 $ (5,708) 15,219 (402,532) $ 576
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2021       747,000      
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022 95,204,000            
Ending Balance at Dec. 25, 2022 $ 662,308            
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Equity-based compensation 3,803       3,803    
Shares purchased under equity plans (in shares)     15,000        
Shares purchased under equity plans 37       37    
RSU vesting (in shares)     409,000        
RSU vesting 0            
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (in shares)     139,000 139,000      
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (911)     $ (911)      
Net income (loss) $ (58,987)         (58,987)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022 1,409,000   1,409,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 25, 2022 $ (448,503)   $ 0 $ (6,619) 19,059 (460,943)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022 886,000     886,000      
Redeemable Preferred Stock              
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares) (95,204,000)            
Conversion of preferred stock $ (662,308)            
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 0            
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 0            
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Equity-based compensation 9,360       9,360    
Shares purchased under equity plans (in shares)     116,000        
Shares purchased under equity plans 1,353       1,353    
RSU vesting (in shares)     568,000        
RSU vesting 0            
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (in shares)     200,000 200,000      
Repurchase of common stock upon RSU vesting (3,108)     $ (3,108)      
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees and offering costs of $29.3 million (in shares)     16,611,000        
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees and offering costs of $29.3 million 336,111   $ 1   336,110    
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares)     95,204,000        
Conversion of preferred stock 662,309   $ 10   662,299    
Net income (loss) $ 13,280         13,280  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 113,708,000   113,708,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 570,802   $ 11 $ (9,727) $ 1,028,181 $ (447,663)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 1,086,000     1,086,000      
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) $ 13,280 $ (58,987) $ (37,391)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation 47,406 37,086 38,269
Amortization of intangible assets 27 5,638 6,176
Equity-based compensation 9,360 3,803 5,351
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,899 19,753 10,542
Gain on extinguishment of debt 0 0 (20,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Trade accounts receivable (835) (50) 453
Other accounts receivable (3,315) (1,626) (1,356)
Inventories (498) (1,496) (1,157)
Prepaid expenses and other 60 (318) (1,402)
Operating lease assets (20,521) (34,187) 0
Accounts payable 2,549 336 (555)
Accrued expenses and other 19,173 (2,901) 1,172
Deferred rent     3,291
Operating lease liabilities 25,516 38,987 0
Net cash provided by operating activities 97,101 6,038 3,393
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchase of property and equipment (138,806) (104,161) (56,309)
Net cash used in investing activities (138,806) (104,161) (56,309)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from Series F convertible Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs $7.9 million 0 0 204,068
Proceeds from Delayed Draw Term Loan 6,000 0 0
Payments on Delayed Draw Term Loan (6,000) 0 0
Payments on 2020 Credit Facility 0 0 (40,000)
Purchase of treasury stock (3,108) (911) (7,688)
Shares purchased under equity plans 1,353 37 7,135
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of $22.8 million 342,604 0 0
Offering costs paid (5,384) (1,109) 0
Payment of loan acquisition fees (372) (986) 0
Proceeds from deemed landlord financing, net of financing lease payments (85) (115) 338
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 335,008 (3,084) 143,152
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 293,303 (101,207) 90,236
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 39,125 140,332 50,096
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year 332,428 39,125 140,332
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:      
Offering costs not yet paid 0 542 0
Cash paid for interest related to deemed landlord financing 0 0 4,023
Cash paid for fees and interest related to long-term debt 330 161 768
Cash paid for income taxes 116 523 212
Change in accrued purchases of property and equipment 584 5,083 1,770
Conversion of redeemable preferred stock into common stock in connection with initial public offering 662,309 0 0
Series A      
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Redemption of Preferred Stock 0 0 (19,692)
Series C      
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Redemption of Preferred Stock 0 0 (514)
Series D      
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Redemption of Preferred Stock $ 0 $ 0 $ (495)
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Parenthetical - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 26, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]    
Underwriting fees and deferred offering costs $ 29.3 $ 7.9
v3.24.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 26, 2021
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]    
Issuance costs $ 29.3 $ 7.9
Underwriting discounts and commissions   $ 22.8
v3.24.0.1
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
NATURE OF OPERATIONS NATURE OF OPERATIONS
CAVA Group, Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, referred to as the “Company”, “CAVA”, “we”, “us”, and “our” unless specified otherwise) was formed as a Delaware corporation in 2015, and prior to that, the first CAVA restaurant opened in 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. The Company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and, as of December 31, 2023, operates 309 fast-casual CAVA restaurants in 24 states and Washington, D.C. The number of CAVA restaurants excludes two locations operating under a licensing arrangement and digital kitchens. The Company’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine unites taste and health, with a menu that features chef-crated and customizable bowls and pitas. Our dips, spreads and dressings are centrally produced and sold in grocery stores.
The Company’s operations are conducted as two reportable segments: CAVA and Zoes Kitchen. These segments were determined on the same basis that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who is the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), manages, evaluates, and makes key decisions regarding the business. As of March 2, 2023, the Company no longer operates any Zoes Kitchen locations.
The Company has been focused on a strategy of converting Zoes Kitchen restaurants into CAVA restaurants in addition to opening new CAVA restaurants. The first conversion restaurant opened on November 8, 2019 and concluded with the last conversion restaurant opening on October 20, 2023, resulting in a total of 153 conversion restaurants.
v3.24.0.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Stock Split—On June 2, 2023, the Company effectuated a 3-to-1 forward stock split of its common stock and preferred stock. The forward stock split did not result in an adjustment to the par value. All references in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes to the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock, options to purchase common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and per share data have been restated on a retroactive basis for all periods presented to reflect the effect of this action.
Initial Public Offering—On June 20, 2023, we completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 16.6 million shares of common stock at a price of $22.00 per share, which included 2.2 million shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their option to purchase additional shares. After underwriting discounts and commissions of $22.8 million and offering expenses of $6.5 million, we received net proceeds from the offering of $336.1 million. In connection with the IPO, 95.2 million outstanding shares of preferred stock were converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock. See Note 9 (Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity) for more information.
Reclassification—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Rounding—Certain numerical figures have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in various tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.
Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CAVA Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
Fiscal Year—The Company operates on a 52-week or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) includes 53 weeks and the fiscal years ended December 25, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) and December 26, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”) each include 52 weeks. In a 52-week fiscal year, the first fiscal quarter contains sixteen weeks and the second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters each contain twelve weeks. In a 53-week fiscal year, the first fiscal quarter contains sixteen weeks, the second and third fiscal quarters each contain twelve weeks, and the fourth fiscal quarter contains thirteen weeks.
Use of Estimates—The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates made by the Company include the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, equity-based compensation, lease accounting matters, impairment of long-lived assets including right-of-use assets, and legal liabilities. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; therefore actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, and deposits in transit from credit card processers, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with financial institutions and, at times, the amount on deposit may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Interest earned on cash and cash equivalents is presented within interest (income) expense, net in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable primarily relates to revenues from Consumer Packaged Goods (“CPG”) sales, third-party delivery and catering. Other accounts receivable primarily relates to amounts due from landlords. The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company recorded a $0.1 million and $0.2 million allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
Inventories—Inventories consist of food, beverage, paper goods, finished goods, raw materials and packaging, and supplies, and are stated at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
Property and EquipmentUseful life
Leasehold improvementsShorter of lease term or estimated asset life
Equipment
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Vehicles
5-7 years
Expenditures for improvements and renewals that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in impairment and asset disposal costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
The Company capitalizes certain internal costs, including payroll and payroll-related costs for employees directly associated with development and construction of future restaurants, after the restaurant has been approved and it is considered probable to open. The Company also capitalizes payroll and payroll-related costs directly associated with the development and implementation of technology. These costs are included in property and equipment and amortized over the shorter of the life of the related buildings and leasehold improvements or the lease term or in the case of technology, 3 to 5 years. The Company capitalized internal payroll costs related to new restaurant construction and technology activities of $5.6 million, $5.1 million and $3.0 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Related to the acquisition of CAVA Foods, LLC, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.9 million. Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of purchased domain names and trademarks as well as a purchase option agreement. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually, or when impairment indicators are present. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets—Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level in which there are identifiable cash flows (“asset group”). The asset group is at the restaurant-level for restaurant assets. If the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) from the use of an asset are less than the carrying value, impairment would be indicated. The Company uses an income approach (discounted cash flow method) to measure the fair value of an asset group. An impairment charge will be recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its fair value. A significant number of estimates, which are largely unobservable and classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow method. Estimates and assumptions used include sales, growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses in relation to the current economic conditions and the Company’s future expectations, market competition, inflation, consumer trends and other relevant economic factors. If actual performance does not achieve such projections, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in futures periods and such charges could be material.
The Company recorded impairment charges of $1.3 million, $9.0 million, and $3.2 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, as further described in Note 5 (Property and Equipment, Net).
Insurance Reserves—The Company self-insures a portion of its expected losses under its workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs. To limit its exposure to losses, the Company maintains stop-loss coverage through third-party insurers. Insurance liabilities representing estimated costs to settle reported claims as well as claims incurred but not reported are included in accrued expenses and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions, and is closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances.
Revenue Recognition—The Company recognizes in-restaurant and digital revenue when payment is tendered at the point of sale as the performance obligation has been satisfied, which is recognized net of discounts, incentives and sales tax collected from customers. Digital revenue includes digital orders, which consist of orders made through catering, digital channels, such as the CAVA app and the CAVA website. Digital orders include orders fulfilled through third-party marketplace and native delivery and digital order pick-up.
CPG revenue associated with dips, spreads and dressings is recognized upon transfer of control to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products. Transfer of control occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery as this is when title and risk of loss passes to the customer. Allowances for sales returns, stale products, and discounts are recorded as reductions to CPG revenue. The Company uses judgment in estimating sales returns, considering numerous factors such as historical sales return rates.
Gift Cards—Revenue related to the sale of gift cards is deferred until the gift card is redeemed. Deferred gift card revenue is included in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Gift cards do not carry an expiration date; therefore, customers can redeem their gift cards for products indefinitely and the Company does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. A portion of gift cards that are not expected to be redeemed exclusive of amounts that are subject to state unclaimed property laws are recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. Revenue recognized from gift card breakage was immaterial in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Loyalty Program—The Company has established a promotional program to encourage repeat business from customers. Loyalty program members earn rewards based on the amount spent, which are redeemable for free goods or future discounts. The loyalty points represent a material right. Accordingly, the Company records a liability and a corresponding reduction in revenue in periods when loyalty program rewards are earned by members. The Company recognizes revenue and a corresponding reduction to the liability in periods when loyalty program rewards are redeemed by members or when loyalty program rewards expire. The amount of revenue recognized or deferred is based on the stand-alone selling price of the loyalty points multiplied by the historical redemption rate. The Company determines the stand-alone selling price of loyalty points by dividing the value of a reward by the amount of spend required to earn the reward.
Advertising and Marketing Costs—Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $6.1 million, $7.1 million, and $7.2 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses, other operating expenses, and pre-opening costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Restructuring and Other Costs—Restructuring and other costs consist mainly of expenses related to closed Zoes Kitchen locations in connection with the Company’s conversion strategy as described above, public company readiness costs, and costs related to our collaboration center relocation incurred in fiscal 2022. The liability relating to restructuring costs as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022 was not material.
Pre-opening Costs—Pre-opening costs consist of expenses incurred prior to opening a new restaurant (including a new restaurant that is converted from a Zoes Kitchen location) and are made up primarily of manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, payroll and training costs, and travel costs. Pre-opening costs also include occupancy costs recorded during the period between the date of possession and the date we begin operations at a location. Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes—The Company is taxed as a C corporation under which income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, reflecting the impact of net operating loss carryforwards and the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include the Company’s historical and forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets.
The Company has considered its income tax positions, including any positions that may be considered uncertain by the relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
The Company’s primary tax jurisdiction is in the United States. Generally, federal, state, and local authorities may examine the Company’s tax returns for three years from the date of filing and the current and prior three years remain subject to examination as of December 31, 2023.
Equity-Based Compensation—The Company has issued stock options and RSUs. Equity-Based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value of those awards and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Equity-Based compensation expense is based on awards outstanding, and forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Equity-Based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company adopted an Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) in June 2023 under which qualifying employees may be granted purchase rights to the Company’s common shares at not less than 85% of the market price on the purchase date. The expense incurred under ESPP is included within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options and purchase rights under the ESPP at the grant date. The use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, and expected dividend yield of the underlying common stock. The fair value of RSUs is equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant.
Prior to June 2023, the Company was privately held with no active public market for its common stock. The historical approach for estimating the fair value of the Company’s common stock was a two-step process. First, the Company’s enterprise value was established using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including the utilization of an income approach (discounted cash flow method), a market approach (guideline public company method), and a probability-weighted expected return method. Second, the enterprise value was allocated among the securities that comprise the capital structure of the Company using the option-pricing method. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s common stock represents management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.
Earnings (loss) per share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per shares (“diluted EPS”) adjusts basic earnings (loss) per share for the impact of potentially dilutive shares using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive shares include outstanding stock options, non-vested RSUs, and purchase rights granted under the ESPP. In periods in which there is a loss, potentially dilutive securities are not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The fair value measurement accounting guidance creates a fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used to measure value into three categories. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement, where Level 1 is the highest category (observable inputs) and Level 3 is the lowest category (unobservable inputs). The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, including money market securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value. Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include certain items within property
and equipment, net and operating lease assets. These assets are measured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. See Note 4 (Fair Value) for more information.
Contingencies—The Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations, and administrative proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a liability and recognizes an expense for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimating liabilities and costs associated with these matters require significant judgment based upon the professional knowledge and experience of management and its legal counsel.
Deferred Offering Costs—Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, accounting, and other fees relating to the Company’s IPO, were capitalized and recorded as a reduction of proceeds upon the consummation of the IPO in June 2023. There were $1.7 million of deferred offering costs included in other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2022.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—On December 27, 2021 (the first day of fiscal 2022), the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), along with related clarifications and improvements. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a liability for lease obligations and a corresponding right-of-use asset on the balance sheet. The guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 requires expanding disclosures of key information about leasing arrangements which gives financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. We elected the optional transition method to apply the standard as of the effective date and therefore we have not applied the standard to fiscal 2021 presented within this report. Practical expedients in connection with adoption were as follows:
Practical expedient package—We have not reassessed: whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases.
Hindsight—We have elected the hindsight practical expedient, which permits the use of hindsight when determining lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets.
Short-term leases—As an accounting policy, we have elected not to apply the balance sheet recognition requirements for short-term leases (less than 12 months).
Combining lease and non-lease components—As an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, we have elected to account for lease components and associated nonlease components as a single lease component.
We lease all of our restaurants, our production facility in Maryland, our collaboration center in Washington, D.C., and our support centers in Brooklyn, New York, and Plano, Texas under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2039. At inception of a lease, we determine its classification as an operating or financing lease. All of our restaurant leases are classified as operating leases. Restaurants are located on sites leased from third parties. When determining the lease term, the Company includes reasonably certain option periods.
The Company makes judgments regarding the probable term for each lease, which can impact the classification and accounting for a lease as well as the amount of straight-line rent expense recognized in a period. Typically, restaurant leases have initial terms of ten years and include five-year renewal options. Renewal options are typically not included in the lease term as it is not reasonably certain at commencement that we will exercise the options. Restaurant leases provide for fixed minimum rent payments and in some cases include contingent rent payments based upon sales in excess of specified breakpoints. When achievement of sales breakpoints is probable, contingent rent is accrued. Fixed minimum rent payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term starting on the date we take control of the leased space.
Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease’s commencement date. We measure the lease liability at lease commencement by discounting the future minimum lease payments. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment. As the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most of the Company’s leases, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at a lease’s commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms.
The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows. The adoption of ASC 842 did have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet resulting in the recognition of operating lease assets and liabilities.
For periods prior to fiscal 2022, leases were accounted for under ASC 840. Under ASC 840, rent expense, including rent free periods if applicable, was recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between the average rental amount charged to expense and the amount payable under the lease was recorded as deferred rent. The lease term was determined at lease inception and included the initial term of the lease plus any renewal periods that were reasonably assured to occur. The lease term began when we had the right to control the use of the property. Tenant improvement allowances were recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the applicable lease terms.
On December 26, 2022 (first day of fiscal 2023), the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses on financial instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 replace the incurred loss model in existing GAAP with a forward-looking expected credit loss model that requires consideration of a broad range of information to estimate credit losses. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results from operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards— In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which improves income tax disclosures through enhanced disaggregation within the rate reconciliation table and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.
The Company reviewed all other recently issued accounting standards and determined they were either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
JOBS Act Election—In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timing for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies and, as a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
v3.24.0.1
REVENUE
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE REVENUE
The Company’s revenue was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Restaurant revenue$720,927 $556,986 $494,035 
CPG revenue and other7,773 7,133 6,037 
Revenue$728,700 $564,119 $500,072
Revenue from the sale of the Company’s gift cards and loyalty program is included in restaurant revenue. Refer to Note 7 (Accrued Expenses and Other) for the Company’s gift card and loyalty liabilities balances. Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards, including breakage, that was included in the gift card liability at the beginning of the year was $1.0 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million during fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The full amount of the outstanding loyalty liability as of December 31, 2023 is expected to be recognized within one year due to the expiration of loyalty rewards being less than one year.
v3.24.0.1
FAIR VALUE
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE FAIR VALUE
The following table summarizes certain assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis due to impairment charges recorded as described in Note 5 (Property and Equipment, Net). The fair value of these assets was measured using an income approach (discounted cash flow method), which relies on Level 3 inputs including projected restaurant revenues and expenses and the discount rate.
(in thousands)LevelDecember 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Certain operating lease assets3$— $7,518 
Certain property and equipment, net3668631
Total
$668 $8,149 
v3.24.0.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The following table presents the Company’s property and equipment, net as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Land$600 $600 
Leasehold improvements268,245 206,849 
Equipment78,760 58,430 
Furniture and fixtures19,694 18,472 
Computer hardware and software46,437 35,190 
Vehicles508 565 
Construction in progress58,501 36,269 
Total property and equipment, gross472,745 356,375 
Less accumulated depreciation(142,015)(113,392)
Total property and equipment, net$330,730 $242,983 
Construction in progress relates to CAVA new restaurant openings, construction of the new production facility in Verona, VA, and technology improvements.
The following tables presents impairment charges by reportable segment and asset disposal costs recognized during the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Impairment charges
CAVA$547 $1,247 $136 
Zoes Kitchen745 6,053 3,089 
Other— 1,676 — 
Total impairment1,292 8,976 3,225 
Total asset disposal costs3,607 10,777 7,317 
Total impairment and asset disposal costs$4,899 $19,753 $10,542 
Impairment charges within the Zoes Kitchen segment were recognized in connection with the Company’s conversion strategy described in Note 1 (Nature of Operations). Impairment charges within Other relate to the relocation of our collaboration center. Asset disposal costs primarily relate to the Zoes Kitchen segment in connection with our conversion strategy as well as normal course replacement of certain assets in our restaurants.
v3.24.0.1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
There have been no changes in the $1.9 million carrying amount of goodwill since the Company’s acquisition of CAVA Foods, LLC. The following tables present the Company’s intangible assets, net as of the periods indicated. As of December 31, 2023 all of our intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized.
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Trademark$750 $— $750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$1,355 $— $1,355 
December 25, 2022
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Total intangible assets subject to amortization, customer relationships$1,207 $(1,180)$27 
Trademark750 — 750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$2,562 $(1,180)$1,382 
v3.24.0.1
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER
The following table presents the Company’s accrued expenses and other as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes$23,370 $13,413 
Accrued capital purchases7,935 7,726 
Sales and use tax payable3,807 2,339 
Gift card and loyalty liabilities4,096 3,271 
Other accrued expenses20,011 13,719 
Total accrued expenses and other$59,219 $40,468 
v3.24.0.1
DEBT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
JPMorgan Chase Bank Revolving Line of Credit—On February 15, 2023, the Company entered into a second amendment with respect to its revolving credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent dated March 11, 2022, collectively known as the “2022 Credit Facility.” The amendment provides for a $30.0 million delayed draw term loan facility (the “Delayed Draw Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “Delayed Draw Term Loans”) to finance construction and capital expenditures in respect of the Company’s production facility in Verona, VA.
On May 31, 2023, the Company borrowed $6.0 million under the Delayed Draw Facility, which was repaid on July 6, 2023 (amounts repaid under the Delayed Draw Facility cannot be reborrowed). As of December 31, 2023, available borrowing capacity under the 2022 Credit Facility was $98.3 million, which consisted of a revolving loan commitment in the aggregate amount of $74.3 million, net of $0.7 million of outstanding letters of credit and $24.0 million under the Delayed Draw Facility (after giving effect to the May 31, 2023 borrowing). The 2022 Credit Facility contains lender approved, uncommitted incremental revolving credit capacity of up to an aggregate amount of $25.0 million. The 2022 Credit Facility has a five-year term and matures on March 11, 2027. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had unamortized loan origination fees of $0.9 million related to the 2022 Credit Facility recorded within other long-term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
We may draw additional amounts under the Delayed Draw Facility until the earliest of (i) August 15, 2024, (ii) the date of the fifth funding of Delayed Draw Term Loans (immediately after giving effect to such funding) and (iii) the date the full $30.0 million is drawn under the Delayed Draw Facility. Delayed Draw Term Loans outstanding under the 2022 Credit Facility bear interest at a rate consistent with the 2022 Credit Facility. The Company is required to pay a ticking fee on the amount of available delayed draw term loan commitments. The ticking fee ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% based on Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio (as defined under the 2022 Credit Facility). Delayed Draw Term Loans have a maturity date of March 11, 2027 (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date”).
Beginning the first full calendar quarter ending after the termination of all the delayed draw term loan commitments, the Company is obligated to make mandatory quarterly principal payments of Delayed Draw Term Loans in an amount equal to the product of (i) the original aggregate principal amount of all funded Delayed Draw Term Loans, multiplied by (ii) 1.25% for the first eight payments and 1.875% for all subsequent payments occurring prior to the Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date.
Interest on loans under the 2022 Credit Facility are based on the one, three or six months Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (as described in the 2022 Credit Facility), as applicable, plus an applicable margin of 1.50% to 2.50% based on the Company’s Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2022 Credit Facility). The Company also has the ability to draw overnight borrowings for which interest rates are calculated based on the Alternative Base Rate (as defined in the 2022 Credit Facility). The Company had no borrowings under the 2022 Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
The 2022 Credit Facility is unconditionally guaranteed by our domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries and other excluded subsidiaries. The 2022 Credit Facility is secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority security interest in certain tangible and intangible assets of the borrower and the guarantors and a first-priority pledge of the capital stock of each domestic restricted subsidiary of the borrower and the guarantors, subject to certain exceptions.
The 2022 Credit Facility includes customary restrictive covenants, including limitations on additional indebtedness, creation of liens, dividend payments, investments and certain transactions with affiliates. The 2022 Credit Facility also includes covenants that require compliance with certain leverage ratios. The availability of certain baskets and the ability to enter into certain transactions may be subject to compliance with such leverage ratios. In addition, the 2022 Credit Facility contains other customary covenants, representations and events of default. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these financial and other covenants.
Previous SunTrust Revolving Line of Credit—On November 21, 2018, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with SunTrust Bank (as amended, the “2020 Credit Facility”). The 2020 Credit Facility provided for aggregate borrowings outstanding of up to $38.7 million. On May 5, 2021 the Company paid the $5.0 million current portion of the line of credit outstanding under the 2020 Credit Facility. On May 20, 2021, the Company repaid in full all indebtedness then outstanding under the 2020 Credit Facility of $35.0 million. On March 11, 2022, the Company terminated the 2020 Credit Facility.
Paycheck Protection Program Notes—On April 15, 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), the Company entered into a note with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. for $10.0 million (the “ZK PPP Loan”) for its Zoes Kitchen business. The ZK PPP Loan had a maturity date of April 15, 2022 and bore interest at a rate of 0.98%. Payments of principal and interest were deferred for the six months beginning on the date the note was executed.
On April 16, 2020, as part of the CARES Act, the Company entered into a note with Truist Bank for $10.0 million (the “CAVA PPP Loan”) for its CAVA business. The CAVA PPP Loan had a maturity date of April 16, 2022 and bore interest at a rate of 1.00%. Payments of principal and interest were deferred for the seven months beginning on the date the note was executed.
Funds from both loans were used for payroll, payroll tax, and benefit payments, which included retaining Team Members. The Company applied for forgiveness which was granted on June 10, 2021 for the ZK PPP Loan and June 14, 2021 for the CAVA PPP Loan. Amounts forgiven resulted in a $20.0 million gain on extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2021 recorded within other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
v3.24.0.1
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]  
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The Company has reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)
December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock— 95,204 
Awards outstanding under the 2023 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans5,731 3,639 
Shares available for future issuance under the 2023 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans, respectively7,322 1,673 
Shares available for future issuance under the 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan1,725 — 
Total reserved shares of common stock14,778 100,516 
On June 20, 2023, we issued 95.2 million shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company upon conversion on a one-for-one basis of all outstanding shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, Series D Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, Series E Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and Series F Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, pursuant to the Company’s Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and in connection with the Company’s IPO. Conversion of the preferred stock into shares of common stock occurred automatically. As of December 31, 2023 there were no outstanding shares of preferred stock. See Note 2 (Basis of Presentation and Significant Account Policies) for more information on the Company’s IPO.
Preferred stock consisted of the following as of December 25, 2022:
(in thousands)Shares
Authorized
Shares
Issued & Outstanding
Liquidation
Preference
Carrying Value
Series A16,003 13,304 $38,161 $(12,912)
Series B7,731 7,714 44,250 44,024 
Series C5,205 5,161 34,950 34,609 
Series D4,463 4,421 33,389 32,999 
Series E61,571 47,703 360,315 359,520 
Series F16,901 16,901 212,000 204,068 
Total111,874 95,204 $723,065 $662,308 
Series F Capital Raise—On March 26, 2021, the Company and certain existing significant stockholders and new investors, including T.Rowe and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Investors”), entered into the Series F Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Series F SPA”), pursuant to which the Investors purchased from the Company an aggregate of 16.9 million shares of Series F Preferred Stock at $12.55 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $204.1 million, net of issuance costs of $7.9 million, which has been recorded in the accompanying statement of preferred stock and stockholders’ equity in fiscal 2021.
Concurrently with the closing of the Series F SPA, (i) the Company and certain current Company stockholders entered into Share Repurchase Agreements, pursuant to which the Company purchased from such stockholders an aggregate of 1.8 million shares of preferred stock at $11.61 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $20.7 million, and (ii) the Company, certain selling founders of the Company consisting of its CEO and Chief Concept Officer (collectively, the “Sellers”), and certain of the Investors entered into Share Transfer Agreements, pursuant to which such Investors purchased from such Sellers 0.2 million shares of common stock and 0.5 million shares of preferred stock at $11.61 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $8.0 million. The Company also repurchased from its CEO 0.6 million shares of common stock at $11.61 per share for a net payment of proceeds of $1.0 million to the CEO (after offsetting the payment of the exercise price of $6.4 million pursuant to a promissory note issued in favor of the Company from the aggregate purchase price of $7.4 million). The Company recognized compensation expense on the repurchase of common stock from the CEO and on the sale of common stock by the CEO to such Investors. Refer to Note 14 (Equity-Based Compensation) for more information. Under the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, any shares of preferred stock that are redeemed or acquired by the Company or any of its subsidiaries are automatically and immediately cancelled and retired, and cannot be reissued, sold, or transferred. Simultaneously in connection with the closing of the Series F SPA, the Company amended its 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) to increase the authorized shares of common stock thereunder in the amount of 1.9 million, with an aggregate amount of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2015
Plan, as amended, of 8.1 million. In addition, in April 2021, the Company amended its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock to 150.0 million.
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit the use of existing deferred tax assets (“DTAs”). A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative losses incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth.
On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, a valuation allowance of $83.7 million and $88.4 million, respectively, has been recorded to recognize only the portion of the DTAs that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the DTAs considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
The Company generates all of its income before taxes in the United States. The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202320222021
Current:
Federal$— $— $— 
State718 88 114 
Subtotal current718 88 114 
Deferred:
Federal20 
State30 
Subtotal deferred50 
Provision for income taxes$768 $93 $117 
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income or loss before income taxes for the reasons set forth below for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202320222021
Income tax (benefit) at federal statutory rate$2,950 $(12,323)$(7,846)
State income tax (benefit)996 (1,885)(3,231)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance(4,699)13,428 15,795 
Deferred taxes1,032 1,318 572 
Equity-based compensation(556)(541)(994)
Nondeductible executive compensation915 — — 
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Notes— — (4,200)
Other permanent adjustments130 96 21 
Provision for income taxes$768 $93 $117 
The following table presents the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss$59,012 $65,423 
Operating lease liabilities89,700 81,204 
Property and equipment4,692 5,230 
Interest expense— 1,602 
Equity-based compensation1,596 2,161 
Other5,732 3,293 
Gross deferred tax assets160,732 158,913 
Valuation allowance(83,662)(88,361)
Net deferred tax assets77,070 70,552 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease assets(77,149)(70,580)
Net deferred tax liabilities(77,149)(70,580)
Total net deferred tax liabilities$(79)$(28)
The Company had available as of December 31, 2023, $222.2 million and $224.1 million of unused federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. As mentioned above, a nearly full valuation allowance has been established for the Company’s DTAs (net of the deferred tax liability associated with the Company’s operating lease assets), including those related to net operating loss carryforwards. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, net operating losses may be carried forward indefinitely. However, net operating losses arising in tax years that begin after December 31, 2017, are limited to 80% of the respective future year’s taxable income. In addition, net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in situations where there is a change in the Company’s ownership. The Company’s federal net operating losses generated before December 31, 2017, and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, of $7.7 million will start to expire if not utilized, beginning in 2037, and state net operating losses expire over varying intervals in the future.
v3.24.0.1
LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows as of the period indicated:
December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)8.28.4
Weighted average discount rate6.01 %5.51 %
The components of lease cost were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)Classification20232022
Operating lease costOccupancy, General and administrative expenses$44,201 $42,551 
Pre-opening lease costPre-opening costs4,296 3,823 
Closed store lease costRestructuring and other costs558 840 
Short-term lease costsGeneral and administrative expenses364 460 
Variable lease costOccupancy1,421 327 
Sublease incomeOther income(479)(659)
Total lease cost$50,361 $47,342 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)20232022
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$48,739 $49,984 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities1
43,985 322,015 
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment4,946 17,041 
__________________
1    Amount presented for fiscal 2022 includes a $256.9 million transition adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842.
Refer to Note 5 (Property and Equipment, Net) for a description of impairment charges that resulted in a reduction to operating lease assets.
Future minimum lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases consist of the following as of December 31, 2023:
(in thousands)Operating Leases
2024$51,572 
202556,121 
202655,186 
202752,959 
202847,980 
Thereafter171,699 
Total435,517 
Less: imputed interest99,319 
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current)$336,198 
As of December 31, 2023, future minimum lease payments excluded $97.6 million relating to legally binding leases executed but not yet commenced.
v3.24.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Purchase Obligations—The Company enters into various purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business, generally of a short-term nature. Those that are binding primarily relate to amounts owed for produce and other ingredients and supplies, including supplies and materials used for new restaurant openings.
Letters of Credit—As of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, the Company had four and eight irrevocable letters of credit in favor of various landlords in the aggregate amount of $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The letters of credit do not require a compensating balance and automatically renew in accordance with the terms of the underlying lease agreement.
Litigation—The Company is currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of its business, including claims resulting from employment related matters. While the ultimate outcome and the costs associated with litigation are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict, as of the date hereof, the Company does not believe that any of its pending legal proceedings will have a material effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in uninsured amounts owed under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2022, the Company was named as a defendant in a purported class action complaint relating to organic fluorine and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in the packaging of its grain and salad bowls. Hamman et al. v. Cava Group, Inc. was filed on April 27, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. An amended complaint was subsequently filed on August 18, 2022. After an initial round of motion to dismiss briefing, the court granted in part and denied in part our motion to dismiss on February 8, 2023. Thereafter, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint on March 1, 2023 seeking, among other relief, compensatory damages in an unspecified amount and medical monitoring. The complaint alleges that certain of our products are unfit for human consumption due to the packaging containing allegedly heightened levels of organic fluorine and unsafe PFAS, and that consumers were misled by certain marketing claims asserted by us regarding the health and sustainability of our products. The complaint further alleges that our products may have caused bodily injuries to the putative class members who consumed our products. After a further
round of motion to dismiss briefing, in December 2023, the court denied the Company’s latest motion to dismiss parts of the case. We answered the suit in January 2024.
In April 2023, the Company was served with a demand letter alleging that we use unhealthy and unsustainable PFAS in our packaging, that our products contain synthetic biocides, and that our “healthy” and “sustainable” marketing claims constitute false and deceptive advertising. The letter demanded that the Company take certain actions, including refraining from using or sourcing packaging containing PFAS and adding certain product warnings. The letter further threatened to file an action styled as GMO Free USA v. Cava Group, Inc. in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Civil Division. The suit was filed on or about October 12, 2023, expounding the demand letter’s allegations and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as payment of the plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees, in connection with alleged violations of D.C. consumer law. As of the date hereof, the Company’s motion to dismiss the suit is pending.
In connection with Hamman et al. v. Cava Group, Inc., on September 21, 2022, Travelers Property Casualty Company of America sought a declaratory judgment that it is not liable for insurance coverage in relation to the allegations asserted in the Hamman complaint related to PFAS, and it sought recoupment of the Company’s legal costs in the Hamman action. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America et al v. Cava Group, Inc. was filed September 21, 2022 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange. On November 9, 2022, we removed the action to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On December 16, 2022, we filed a motion to dismiss and a motion to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On February 13, 2024, the motion to transfer was granted, which has resulted in the case being transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Depending on the outcome of the Travelers’ action as a whole, we may not be able to recover from our insurance the full amount of any damages we might incur in matters related to PFAS, including both the Hamman action and GMO Free USA action.
We are vigorously defending ourselves in these matters. We have recently engaged in settlement discussions and recorded an immaterial accrual in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in connection with these matters
v3.24.0.1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In March 2021, CAVA Group, Inc. entered into a promissory note for $6.4 million with the Company’s CEO, Brett Schulman. The purpose of this note was to facilitate the exercise and repurchase of stock options in connection with the Series F capital raise. The full amount of the note was repaid on March 26, 2021, and as a result, Mr Schulman has no outstanding indebtedness related to the primary note. See Note 9 (Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity) and Note 14 (Equity-Based Compensation) for additional information.
We were party to a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with CMRG Inc. (“CMRG”), which is primarily owned by certain of the founders of the Company including Theodoros Xenohristos who serves on our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the Consulting Agreement, the founders provided culinary, branding, food products, and restaurant operation services to one of our subsidiaries, CAVA Mezze Grill, in exchange for an annual consulting fee. During each of fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, $0.2 million was paid to CMRG for consulting services under the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement was effectively terminated in December 2022.
We were party to a management services agreement (“MSA”) with Act III Management, LLC (“Act III Management”), which is one of our stockholders and is controlled by Ronald Shaich, who is Chair of our Board of Directors. Act III Management provided consulting in the areas of information technology, strategy, finance, off-premises sales, and restaurant operations. During fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, was paid to Act III Management under the MSA. The MSA was terminated in accordance with its terms in December 2022.
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
2023 Equity Incentive Plan—In connection with the Company’s IPO, the Company adopted the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan includes 9.4 million authorized shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance to employees, directors, and consultants through non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options, restricted shares of our common stock, RSUs, performance stock units and other equity-based awards tied to the value of our shares. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2023 Plan will automatically increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning with fiscal 2024 by a number of shares equal to the lesser of (i) the positive difference between 1% of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock on the last day of the preceding fiscal year minus the plan reserve of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) a lesser number of shares determined by our Board of Directors.
2015 Equity Incentive Plan—Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company granted incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, and restricted stock unit awards to employees, directors, and consultants under the 2015 Plan.
Following effectiveness of the 2023 Plan in connection with our IPO, no further awards will be granted under the 2015 Plan; however, awards outstanding under the 2015 Plan will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
During fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 the Company recognized compensation expense (including applicable payroll taxes) related to awards under the 2015 Plan and 2023 Plan of $9.2 million, $4.0 million, and $5.5 million, respectively. Fiscal 2021 includes $2.8 million of compensation expense which represents the excess of the purchase price over fair value on the CEO’s sales of common stock to the Company and a third party. Refer to Note 9 (Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity) for more information on this transaction.
Stock Options—Prior to the IPO, under the 2015 Plan, our Board of Directors determined the option exercise price and granted all stock options at exercise prices that were equal or exceed the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Under the 2023 Plan, the terms of all stock options may not exceed 10 years. Vesting terms are determined by our Board of Directors and generally vest annually in equal installments over four years of continuous service, except for 0.6 million options that were granted to our CEO in connection with the IPO that will vest over five years of continuous service.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:
Weighted Average
(in thousands, except per share amounts)Number Of OptionsExercise PriceRemaining Contractual Term (Years)Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding - December 26, 20211,432 $4.45 5.8$3,828 
Granted459 6.75 
Exercised(15)2.42 
Forfeited or expired(13)2.73 
Outstanding - December 25, 20221,863 $5.04 5.9$8,444 
Granted1,373 19.61 
Exercised(79)4.34 
Forfeited or expired(79)9.47 
Outstanding - December 31, 20233,078 $11.45 6.8$97,054 
Exercisable - December 31, 20231,441 $4.71 4.0
Vested and expected to vest - December 31, 20233,078 $11.45 6.8$97,054 
The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option pricing model during the fiscal years indicated:
20232022
Expected term (in years)1
6.46.2
Volatility2
46.0%45.0%
Risk-free interest rate3.8%1.7%
Dividend rate—%—%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$9.98$2.97
__________________
1    Expected term was calculated using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term and vesting period of the option, as we do not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.
2    Volatility was based on a group of industry peers with sufficient history.
As of December 31, 2023, there was $12.3 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.9 years.
Restricted Stock Units—Vesting terms of RSUs are determined by our Board of Directors and generally vest annually in equal installments over four years of continuous service, except for 0.3 million RSUs that were granted to our CEO in connection with the IPO that will vest over five years of continuous service.
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)Number of UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
Non-vested - December 26, 2021
1,487 $3.08 $10,032 
Granted881 6.74 
Vested(409)2.76 
Forfeited(183)3.55 
Non-vested - December 25, 20221,776 $4.76 $16,996 
Granted1,699 17.52 
Vested(568)4.45 
Forfeited(254)8.12 
Non-vested - December 31, 20232,653 $12.69 $113,985 
As of December 31, 2023, there was $27.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.4 years.
2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan—In connection with the IPO, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2023 ESPP”). The 2023 ESPP authorizes issuance of 1.7 million shares of common stock to the Company’s employees. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance will automatically increase on the first day of each fiscal year ending on December 29, 2032 by the lesser of (i) 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Company on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) a lower number of shares of our common stock as determined by the Board of Directors.
The 2023 ESPP allows eligible employees to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock through payroll deduction over offering periods that are approximately six months. The per share purchase price is equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on (i) the first day of the offering period or (ii) the last day of the offering period. During fiscal 2023, the Company issued less than 0.1 million shares under the 2023 ESPP and recognized $0.4 million of compensation expense.
v3.24.0.1
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)202320222021
Net income (loss)$13,280 $(58,987)$(37,391)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
60,512 1,328 732 
Dilutive awards2,936 — — 
Diluted63,448 1,328 732 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic$0.22 $(44.41)$(51.06)
Diluted$0.21 $(44.41)$(51.06)
The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at the end of each period, from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as the impact would have been anti-dilutive for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Stock options— 1,201 770 
Restricted stock units— 1,776 1,487 
Preferred stock (as converted to common shares)— 95,204 95,204 
Total common stock equivalents— 98,181 97,461 
    During fiscal 2022 and 2021, the Company’s potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive in a net loss position.
v3.24.0.1
SEGMENT REPORTING
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT REPORTING SEGMENT REPORTING
The CODM reviews segment performance and allocates resources based upon restaurant-level profit, which is defined as segment revenues less food, beverage, and packaging expenses, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses. All segment revenue is earned in the United States, and all intersegment revenues have been eliminated. Sales from external customers are derived principally from sales of food, beverage, and CPG. The Company does not rely on any major customers as sources of sales. As the CODM is not provided with asset information by segment, assets are reported only on a consolidated basis. As described in Note 1 (Nature of Operations), the Company no longer operates any Zoes Kitchen locations as of March 2, 2023. Other includes the Company’s CPG sales from CAVA Foods.
Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Revenue
CAVA$717,060 $448,594 $278,219 
Zoes Kitchen3,867 108,392 215,816 
Other7,773 7,133 6,037 
Total revenue728,700 564,119 500,072 
Restaurant-level operating expenses1
CAVA539,572 357,501 227,335 
Zoes Kitchen4,044 102,292 186,237 
Other4,738 6,342 4,347 
Total restaurant-level operating expenses548,354 466,135 417,919 
Restaurant-level profit (loss)
CAVA177,488 91,093 50,884 
Zoes Kitchen(177)6,100 29,579 
Other3,035 791 1,690 
Total restaurant-level profit180,346 97,984 82,153 
Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes:
General and administrative expenses101,491 70,037 64,792 
Depreciation and amortization47,433 42,724 44,538 
Restructuring and other costs6,080 5,923 6,839 
Pre-opening costs15,718 19,313 8,194 
Impairment and asset disposal costs4,899 19,753 10,542 
Interest (income) expense, net(8,852)47 4,810 
Other income, net(471)(919)(20,288)
Income (loss) before income taxes$14,048 $(58,894)$(37,274)
__________________
1    Restaurant-level operating expenses consist of food, beverage, and packaging (excluding depreciation and amortization), labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses.
v3.24.0.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Pay vs Performance Disclosure      
Net Income (Loss) $ 13,280 $ (58,987) $ (37,391)
v3.24.0.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.24.0.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Stock Split
Stock Split—On June 2, 2023, the Company effectuated a 3-to-1 forward stock split of its common stock and preferred stock. The forward stock split did not result in an adjustment to the par value. All references in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes to the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock, options to purchase common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and per share data have been restated on a retroactive basis for all periods presented to reflect the effect of this action.
Earnings (loss) per share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per shares (“diluted EPS”) adjusts basic earnings (loss) per share for the impact of potentially dilutive shares using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive shares include outstanding stock options, non-vested RSUs, and purchase rights granted under the ESPP. In periods in which there is a loss, potentially dilutive securities are not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
Reclassification Reclassification—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Rounding
Rounding—Certain numerical figures have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in various tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.
Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CAVA Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year—The Company operates on a 52-week or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) includes 53 weeks and the fiscal years ended December 25, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) and December 26, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”) each include 52 weeks. In a 52-week fiscal year, the first fiscal quarter contains sixteen weeks and the second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters each contain twelve weeks. In a 53-week fiscal year, the first fiscal quarter contains sixteen weeks, the second and third fiscal quarters each contain twelve weeks, and the fourth fiscal quarter contains thirteen weeks.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates—The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates made by the Company include the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, equity-based compensation, lease accounting matters, impairment of long-lived assets including right-of-use assets, and legal liabilities. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; therefore actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, and deposits in transit from credit card processers, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with financial institutions and, at times, the amount on deposit may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Interest earned on cash and cash equivalents is presented within interest (income) expense, net in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable primarily relates to revenues from Consumer Packaged Goods (“CPG”) sales, third-party delivery and catering. Other accounts receivable primarily relates to amounts due from landlords. The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts receivable.
Inventories
Inventories—Inventories consist of food, beverage, paper goods, finished goods, raw materials and packaging, and supplies, and are stated at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
Property and EquipmentUseful life
Leasehold improvementsShorter of lease term or estimated asset life
Equipment
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Vehicles
5-7 years
Expenditures for improvements and renewals that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in impairment and asset disposal costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
The Company capitalizes certain internal costs, including payroll and payroll-related costs for employees directly associated with development and construction of future restaurants, after the restaurant has been approved and it is considered probable to open. The Company also capitalizes payroll and payroll-related costs directly associated with the development and implementation of technology. These costs are included in property and equipment and amortized over the shorter of the life of the related buildings and leasehold improvements or the lease term or in the case of technology, 3 to 5 years.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Related to the acquisition of CAVA Foods, LLC, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.9 million. Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of purchased domain names and trademarks as well as a purchase option agreement. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually, or when impairment indicators are present. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment of Long-lived Assets—Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level in which there are identifiable cash flows (“asset group”). The asset group is at the restaurant-level for restaurant assets. If the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) from the use of an asset are less than the carrying value, impairment would be indicated. The Company uses an income approach (discounted cash flow method) to measure the fair value of an asset group. An impairment charge will be recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its fair value. A significant number of estimates, which are largely unobservable and classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow method. Estimates and assumptions used include sales, growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses in relation to the current economic conditions and the Company’s future expectations, market competition, inflation, consumer trends and other relevant economic factors. If actual performance does not achieve such projections, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in futures periods and such charges could be material.
Insurance Reserves
Insurance Reserves—The Company self-insures a portion of its expected losses under its workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs. To limit its exposure to losses, the Company maintains stop-loss coverage through third-party insurers. Insurance liabilities representing estimated costs to settle reported claims as well as claims incurred but not reported are included in accrued expenses and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions, and is closely monitored and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances.
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards And Loyalty Program
Revenue Recognition—The Company recognizes in-restaurant and digital revenue when payment is tendered at the point of sale as the performance obligation has been satisfied, which is recognized net of discounts, incentives and sales tax collected from customers. Digital revenue includes digital orders, which consist of orders made through catering, digital channels, such as the CAVA app and the CAVA website. Digital orders include orders fulfilled through third-party marketplace and native delivery and digital order pick-up.
CPG revenue associated with dips, spreads and dressings is recognized upon transfer of control to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products. Transfer of control occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery as this is when title and risk of loss passes to the customer. Allowances for sales returns, stale products, and discounts are recorded as reductions to CPG revenue. The Company uses judgment in estimating sales returns, considering numerous factors such as historical sales return rates.
Gift Cards—Revenue related to the sale of gift cards is deferred until the gift card is redeemed. Deferred gift card revenue is included in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Gift cards do not carry an expiration date; therefore, customers can redeem their gift cards for products indefinitely and the Company does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. A portion of gift cards that are not expected to be redeemed exclusive of amounts that are subject to state unclaimed property laws are recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. Revenue recognized from gift card breakage was immaterial in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Loyalty Program—The Company has established a promotional program to encourage repeat business from customers. Loyalty program members earn rewards based on the amount spent, which are redeemable for free goods or future discounts. The loyalty points represent a material right. Accordingly, the Company records a liability and a corresponding reduction in revenue in periods when loyalty program rewards are earned by members. The Company recognizes revenue and a corresponding reduction to the liability in periods when loyalty program rewards are redeemed by members or when loyalty program rewards expire. The amount of revenue recognized or deferred is based on the stand-alone selling price of the loyalty points multiplied by the historical redemption rate. The Company determines the stand-alone selling price of loyalty points by dividing the value of a reward by the amount of spend required to earn the reward.
Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and Marketing Costs—Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Restructuring and Other Costs Restructuring and Other Costs—Restructuring and other costs consist mainly of expenses related to closed Zoes Kitchen locations in connection with the Company’s conversion strategy as described above, public company readiness costs, and costs related to our collaboration center relocation incurred in fiscal 2022.
Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening Costs—Pre-opening costs consist of expenses incurred prior to opening a new restaurant (including a new restaurant that is converted from a Zoes Kitchen location) and are made up primarily of manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, payroll and training costs, and travel costs. Pre-opening costs also include occupancy costs recorded during the period between the date of possession and the date we begin operations at a location. Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes—The Company is taxed as a C corporation under which income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, reflecting the impact of net operating loss carryforwards and the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include the Company’s historical and forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets.
The Company has considered its income tax positions, including any positions that may be considered uncertain by the relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022.
The Company’s primary tax jurisdiction is in the United States. Generally, federal, state, and local authorities may examine the Company’s tax returns for three years from the date of filing and the current and prior three years remain subject to examination as of December 31, 2023.
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-Based Compensation—The Company has issued stock options and RSUs. Equity-Based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value of those awards and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Equity-Based compensation expense is based on awards outstanding, and forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Equity-Based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company adopted an Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) in June 2023 under which qualifying employees may be granted purchase rights to the Company’s common shares at not less than 85% of the market price on the purchase date. The expense incurred under ESPP is included within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options and purchase rights under the ESPP at the grant date. The use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, and expected dividend yield of the underlying common stock. The fair value of RSUs is equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant.
Prior to June 2023, the Company was privately held with no active public market for its common stock. The historical approach for estimating the fair value of the Company’s common stock was a two-step process. First, the Company’s enterprise value was established using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including the utilization of an income approach (discounted cash flow method), a market approach (guideline public company method), and a probability-weighted expected return method. Second, the enterprise value was allocated among the securities that comprise the capital structure of the Company using the option-pricing method. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s common stock represents management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.
Earnings (loss) per share
Stock Split—On June 2, 2023, the Company effectuated a 3-to-1 forward stock split of its common stock and preferred stock. The forward stock split did not result in an adjustment to the par value. All references in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes to the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock, options to purchase common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and per share data have been restated on a retroactive basis for all periods presented to reflect the effect of this action.
Earnings (loss) per share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per shares (“diluted EPS”) adjusts basic earnings (loss) per share for the impact of potentially dilutive shares using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive shares include outstanding stock options, non-vested RSUs, and purchase rights granted under the ESPP. In periods in which there is a loss, potentially dilutive securities are not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The fair value measurement accounting guidance creates a fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used to measure value into three categories. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement, where Level 1 is the highest category (observable inputs) and Level 3 is the lowest category (unobservable inputs). The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, including money market securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value. Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include certain items within property
and equipment, net and operating lease assets. These assets are measured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Contingencies
Contingencies—The Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations, and administrative proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a liability and recognizes an expense for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimating liabilities and costs associated with these matters require significant judgment based upon the professional knowledge and experience of management and its legal counsel.
Deferred Offering Costs Deferred Offering Costs—Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, accounting, and other fees relating to the Company’s IPO, were capitalized and recorded as a reduction of proceeds upon the consummation of the IPO in June 2023.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—On December 27, 2021 (the first day of fiscal 2022), the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), along with related clarifications and improvements. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a liability for lease obligations and a corresponding right-of-use asset on the balance sheet. The guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 requires expanding disclosures of key information about leasing arrangements which gives financial statement users the ability to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows related to leases. We elected the optional transition method to apply the standard as of the effective date and therefore we have not applied the standard to fiscal 2021 presented within this report. Practical expedients in connection with adoption were as follows:
Practical expedient package—We have not reassessed: whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases.
Hindsight—We have elected the hindsight practical expedient, which permits the use of hindsight when determining lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets.
Short-term leases—As an accounting policy, we have elected not to apply the balance sheet recognition requirements for short-term leases (less than 12 months).
Combining lease and non-lease components—As an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, we have elected to account for lease components and associated nonlease components as a single lease component.
We lease all of our restaurants, our production facility in Maryland, our collaboration center in Washington, D.C., and our support centers in Brooklyn, New York, and Plano, Texas under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2039. At inception of a lease, we determine its classification as an operating or financing lease. All of our restaurant leases are classified as operating leases. Restaurants are located on sites leased from third parties. When determining the lease term, the Company includes reasonably certain option periods.
The Company makes judgments regarding the probable term for each lease, which can impact the classification and accounting for a lease as well as the amount of straight-line rent expense recognized in a period. Typically, restaurant leases have initial terms of ten years and include five-year renewal options. Renewal options are typically not included in the lease term as it is not reasonably certain at commencement that we will exercise the options. Restaurant leases provide for fixed minimum rent payments and in some cases include contingent rent payments based upon sales in excess of specified breakpoints. When achievement of sales breakpoints is probable, contingent rent is accrued. Fixed minimum rent payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term starting on the date we take control of the leased space.
Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease’s commencement date. We measure the lease liability at lease commencement by discounting the future minimum lease payments. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment. As the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable in most of the Company’s leases, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at a lease’s commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms.
The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows. The adoption of ASC 842 did have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet resulting in the recognition of operating lease assets and liabilities.
For periods prior to fiscal 2022, leases were accounted for under ASC 840. Under ASC 840, rent expense, including rent free periods if applicable, was recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between the average rental amount charged to expense and the amount payable under the lease was recorded as deferred rent. The lease term was determined at lease inception and included the initial term of the lease plus any renewal periods that were reasonably assured to occur. The lease term began when we had the right to control the use of the property. Tenant improvement allowances were recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the applicable lease terms.
On December 26, 2022 (first day of fiscal 2023), the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses on financial instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 replace the incurred loss model in existing GAAP with a forward-looking expected credit loss model that requires consideration of a broad range of information to estimate credit losses. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results from operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards— In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which improves income tax disclosures through enhanced disaggregation within the rate reconciliation table and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.
The Company reviewed all other recently issued accounting standards and determined they were either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
JOBS Act Election
JOBS Act Election—In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timing for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies and, as a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
v3.24.0.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
Property and EquipmentUseful life
Leasehold improvementsShorter of lease term or estimated asset life
Equipment
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Vehicles
5-7 years
The following table presents the Company’s property and equipment, net as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Land$600 $600 
Leasehold improvements268,245 206,849 
Equipment78,760 58,430 
Furniture and fixtures19,694 18,472 
Computer hardware and software46,437 35,190 
Vehicles508 565 
Construction in progress58,501 36,269 
Total property and equipment, gross472,745 356,375 
Less accumulated depreciation(142,015)(113,392)
Total property and equipment, net$330,730 $242,983 
v3.24.0.1
REVENUE (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company’s revenue was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Restaurant revenue$720,927 $556,986 $494,035 
CPG revenue and other7,773 7,133 6,037 
Revenue$728,700 $564,119 $500,072
v3.24.0.1
FAIR VALUE (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
The following table summarizes certain assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis due to impairment charges recorded as described in Note 5 (Property and Equipment, Net). The fair value of these assets was measured using an income approach (discounted cash flow method), which relies on Level 3 inputs including projected restaurant revenues and expenses and the discount rate.
(in thousands)LevelDecember 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Certain operating lease assets3$— $7,518 
Certain property and equipment, net3668631
Total
$668 $8,149 
v3.24.0.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
Property and EquipmentUseful life
Leasehold improvementsShorter of lease term or estimated asset life
Equipment
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Vehicles
5-7 years
The following table presents the Company’s property and equipment, net as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Land$600 $600 
Leasehold improvements268,245 206,849 
Equipment78,760 58,430 
Furniture and fixtures19,694 18,472 
Computer hardware and software46,437 35,190 
Vehicles508 565 
Construction in progress58,501 36,269 
Total property and equipment, gross472,745 356,375 
Less accumulated depreciation(142,015)(113,392)
Total property and equipment, net$330,730 $242,983 
Impairment and Asset Disposal Costs
The following tables presents impairment charges by reportable segment and asset disposal costs recognized during the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Impairment charges
CAVA$547 $1,247 $136 
Zoes Kitchen745 6,053 3,089 
Other— 1,676 — 
Total impairment1,292 8,976 3,225 
Total asset disposal costs3,607 10,777 7,317 
Total impairment and asset disposal costs$4,899 $19,753 $10,542 
v3.24.0.1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets The following tables present the Company’s intangible assets, net as of the periods indicated. As of December 31, 2023 all of our intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized.
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Trademark$750 $— $750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$1,355 $— $1,355 
December 25, 2022
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Total intangible assets subject to amortization, customer relationships$1,207 $(1,180)$27 
Trademark750 — 750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$2,562 $(1,180)$1,382 
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The following tables present the Company’s intangible assets, net as of the periods indicated. As of December 31, 2023 all of our intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized.
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Trademark$750 $— $750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$1,355 $— $1,355 
December 25, 2022
(in thousands)Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet
Total intangible assets subject to amortization, customer relationships$1,207 $(1,180)$27 
Trademark750 — 750 
Other605 — 605 
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization1,355 — 1,355 
Intangibles, net$2,562 $(1,180)$1,382 
v3.24.0.1
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities
The following table presents the Company’s accrued expenses and other as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes$23,370 $13,413 
Accrued capital purchases7,935 7,726 
Sales and use tax payable3,807 2,339 
Gift card and loyalty liabilities4,096 3,271 
Other accrued expenses20,011 13,719 
Total accrued expenses and other$59,219 $40,468 
v3.24.0.1
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Stock
The Company has reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)
December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock— 95,204 
Awards outstanding under the 2023 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans5,731 3,639 
Shares available for future issuance under the 2023 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans, respectively7,322 1,673 
Shares available for future issuance under the 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan1,725 — 
Total reserved shares of common stock14,778 100,516 
Preferred stock consisted of the following as of December 25, 2022:
(in thousands)Shares
Authorized
Shares
Issued & Outstanding
Liquidation
Preference
Carrying Value
Series A16,003 13,304 $38,161 $(12,912)
Series B7,731 7,714 44,250 44,024 
Series C5,205 5,161 34,950 34,609 
Series D4,463 4,421 33,389 32,999 
Series E61,571 47,703 360,315 359,520 
Series F16,901 16,901 212,000 204,068 
Total111,874 95,204 $723,065 $662,308 
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The Company generates all of its income before taxes in the United States. The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202320222021
Current:
Federal$— $— $— 
State718 88 114 
Subtotal current718 88 114 
Deferred:
Federal20 
State30 
Subtotal deferred50 
Provision for income taxes$768 $93 $117 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income or loss before income taxes for the reasons set forth below for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202320222021
Income tax (benefit) at federal statutory rate$2,950 $(12,323)$(7,846)
State income tax (benefit)996 (1,885)(3,231)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance(4,699)13,428 15,795 
Deferred taxes1,032 1,318 572 
Equity-based compensation(556)(541)(994)
Nondeductible executive compensation915 — — 
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Notes— — (4,200)
Other permanent adjustments130 96 21 
Provision for income taxes$768 $93 $117 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the periods indicated:
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss$59,012 $65,423 
Operating lease liabilities89,700 81,204 
Property and equipment4,692 5,230 
Interest expense— 1,602 
Equity-based compensation1,596 2,161 
Other5,732 3,293 
Gross deferred tax assets160,732 158,913 
Valuation allowance(83,662)(88,361)
Net deferred tax assets77,070 70,552 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease assets(77,149)(70,580)
Net deferred tax liabilities(77,149)(70,580)
Total net deferred tax liabilities$(79)$(28)
v3.24.0.1
LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of lease cost
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows as of the period indicated:
December 31,
2023
December 25,
2022
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)8.28.4
Weighted average discount rate6.01 %5.51 %
The components of lease cost were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)Classification20232022
Operating lease costOccupancy, General and administrative expenses$44,201 $42,551 
Pre-opening lease costPre-opening costs4,296 3,823 
Closed store lease costRestructuring and other costs558 840 
Short-term lease costsGeneral and administrative expenses364 460 
Variable lease costOccupancy1,421 327 
Sublease incomeOther income(479)(659)
Total lease cost$50,361 $47,342 
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)20232022
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$48,739 $49,984 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities1
43,985 322,015 
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment4,946 17,041 
__________________
1    Amount presented for fiscal 2022 includes a $256.9 million transition adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842.
Maturities of lease liabilities
Future minimum lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases consist of the following as of December 31, 2023:
(in thousands)Operating Leases
2024$51,572 
202556,121 
202655,186 
202752,959 
202847,980 
Thereafter171,699 
Total435,517 
Less: imputed interest99,319 
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current)$336,198 
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:
Weighted Average
(in thousands, except per share amounts)Number Of OptionsExercise PriceRemaining Contractual Term (Years)Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding - December 26, 20211,432 $4.45 5.8$3,828 
Granted459 6.75 
Exercised(15)2.42 
Forfeited or expired(13)2.73 
Outstanding - December 25, 20221,863 $5.04 5.9$8,444 
Granted1,373 19.61 
Exercised(79)4.34 
Forfeited or expired(79)9.47 
Outstanding - December 31, 20233,078 $11.45 6.8$97,054 
Exercisable - December 31, 20231,441 $4.71 4.0
Vested and expected to vest - December 31, 20233,078 $11.45 6.8$97,054 
Schedule of Share-Based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions
The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option pricing model during the fiscal years indicated:
20232022
Expected term (in years)1
6.46.2
Volatility2
46.0%45.0%
Risk-free interest rate3.8%1.7%
Dividend rate—%—%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$9.98$2.97
__________________
1    Expected term was calculated using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term and vesting period of the option, as we do not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.
2    Volatility was based on a group of industry peers with sufficient history.
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)Number of UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueAggregate Intrinsic Value
Non-vested - December 26, 2021
1,487 $3.08 $10,032 
Granted881 6.74 
Vested(409)2.76 
Forfeited(183)3.55 
Non-vested - December 25, 20221,776 $4.76 $16,996 
Granted1,699 17.52 
Vested(568)4.45 
Forfeited(254)8.12 
Non-vested - December 31, 20232,653 $12.69 $113,985 
v3.24.0.1
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)202320222021
Net income (loss)$13,280 $(58,987)$(37,391)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
60,512 1,328 732 
Dilutive awards2,936 — — 
Diluted63,448 1,328 732 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic$0.22 $(44.41)$(51.06)
Diluted$0.21 $(44.41)$(51.06)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at the end of each period, from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as the impact would have been anti-dilutive for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Stock options— 1,201 770 
Restricted stock units— 1,776 1,487 
Preferred stock (as converted to common shares)— 95,204 95,204 
Total common stock equivalents— 98,181 97,461 
v3.24.0.1
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202320222021
Revenue
CAVA$717,060 $448,594 $278,219 
Zoes Kitchen3,867 108,392 215,816 
Other7,773 7,133 6,037 
Total revenue728,700 564,119 500,072 
Restaurant-level operating expenses1
CAVA539,572 357,501 227,335 
Zoes Kitchen4,044 102,292 186,237 
Other4,738 6,342 4,347 
Total restaurant-level operating expenses548,354 466,135 417,919 
Restaurant-level profit (loss)
CAVA177,488 91,093 50,884 
Zoes Kitchen(177)6,100 29,579 
Other3,035 791 1,690 
Total restaurant-level profit180,346 97,984 82,153 
Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes:
General and administrative expenses101,491 70,037 64,792 
Depreciation and amortization47,433 42,724 44,538 
Restructuring and other costs6,080 5,923 6,839 
Pre-opening costs15,718 19,313 8,194 
Impairment and asset disposal costs4,899 19,753 10,542 
Interest (income) expense, net(8,852)47 4,810 
Other income, net(471)(919)(20,288)
Income (loss) before income taxes$14,048 $(58,894)$(37,274)
__________________
1    Restaurant-level operating expenses consist of food, beverage, and packaging (excluding depreciation and amortization), labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses.
v3.24.0.1
NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
restaurant
segment
state
Oct. 20, 2023
restaurant
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Number of restaurants 309  
Number of states in which entity operates | state 24  
Restaurants excluded from restaurant count 2  
Number of reportable segments | segment 2  
Number of conversion restaurants opened   153
v3.24.0.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Underwriting discounts and commissions       $ 22,800
Offering expenses   $ 5,384 $ 1,109 0
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of $22.8 million   342,604 0 $ 0
Allowance for doubtful accounts   100 200  
Goodwill   $ 1,944 $ 1,944  
Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]   Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Impairment, long-lived asset   $ 1,300 $ 9,000 $ 3,200
Marketing and advertising expense   6,100 7,100 7,200
Deferred offering costs     1,700  
Construction and Technology Activities        
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Property, plant and equipment, additions   $ 5,600 $ 5,100 $ 3,000
IPO        
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) 16,600,000      
Sale of stock (in usd per share) $ 22.00      
Underwriting discounts and commissions $ 22,800      
Offering expenses 6,500      
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of $22.8 million $ 336,100      
Shares converted (in shares) 95,200,000      
Over-Allotment Option        
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) 2,200,000      
v3.24.0.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Schedule of Useful Life (Details)
Dec. 31, 2023
Equipment | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 5 years
Equipment | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 7 years
Furniture and fixtures  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 7 years
Computer hardware and software | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 3 years
Computer hardware and software | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 5 years
Vehicles | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 5 years
Vehicles | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 7 years
v3.24.0.1
REVENUE (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Total revenue $ 728,700 $ 564,119 $ 500,072
Gift card revenue recognized 1,000 600 700
Restaurant revenue      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Total revenue 720,927 556,986 494,035
CPG revenue and other      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Total revenue $ 7,773 $ 7,133 $ 6,037
v3.24.0.1
FAIR VALUE - Schedule of Non-Recurring Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets $ 289,451 $ 273,876
Property and equipment, net 330,730 242,983
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Nonrecurring    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets 0 7,518
Property and equipment, net 668 631
Total $ 668 $ 8,149
v3.24.0.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET - Schedule of PP&E (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 472,745 $ 356,375
Less accumulated depreciation (142,015) (113,392)
Total property and equipment, net 330,730 242,983
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 600 600
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 268,245 206,849
Equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 78,760 58,430
Furniture and fixtures    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 19,694 18,472
Computer hardware and software    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 46,437 35,190
Vehicles    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 508 565
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 58,501 $ 36,269
v3.24.0.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET - Impairment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total impairment $ 1,292 $ 8,976 $ 3,225
Total asset disposal costs 3,607 10,777 7,317
Total impairment and asset disposal costs 4,899 19,753 10,542
CAVA      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total impairment 547 1,247 136
Zoes Kitchen      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total impairment 745 6,053 3,089
Other      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total impairment $ 0 $ 1,676 $ 0
v3.24.0.1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Goodwill $ 1,944 $ 1,944
v3.24.0.1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Accumulated Amortization   $ (1,180)
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 1,355 1,355
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
Carrying Value 1,355 2,562
Accumulated Amortization   (1,180)
Net 1,355 1,382
Trademark    
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization 750 750
Other    
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization $ 605 605
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Carrying Value   1,207
Accumulated Amortization   (1,180)
Net   27
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
Accumulated Amortization   $ (1,180)
v3.24.0.1
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes $ 23,370 $ 13,413
Accrued capital purchases 7,935 7,726
Sales and use tax payable 3,807 2,339
Gift card and loyalty liabilities 4,096 3,271
Other accrued expenses 20,011 13,719
Total accrued expenses and other $ 59,219 $ 40,468
v3.24.0.1
DEBT - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 06, 2023
May 31, 2023
May 20, 2021
May 05, 2021
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Feb. 15, 2023
Apr. 16, 2020
Apr. 15, 2020
Nov. 21, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Payments on 2020 Credit Facility         $ 0 $ 0 $ 40,000,000        
Letter of Credit                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Aggregate amount of letters of credit         700,000 1,300,000          
Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity         25,000,000            
Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Secured Debt                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity         $ 24,000,000     $ 30,000,000      
Amount borrowed on line of credit   $ 6,000,000                  
Repayments of line of credit $ 6,000,000                    
Rate multiplied for first eight payments to determine quarterly principal payments (in percent)         0.0125            
Rate multiplied after eighth payment to determine quarterly principal payments (in percent)         0.01875            
Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Secured Debt | Maximum                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Ticking fee (in percent)         0.35%            
Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Secured Debt | Minimum                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Ticking fee (in percent)         0.20%            
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity         $ 98,300,000            
Debt instrument term (in years)         5 years            
Unamortized loan origination fees         $ 900,000            
Borrowings outstanding         $ 0 $ 0          
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Maximum | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Basis spread (in percentage)         2.50%            
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Minimum | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Basis spread (in percentage)         1.50%            
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity         $ 74,300,000            
2020 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity                     $ 38,700,000
Payments on 2020 Credit Facility     $ 35,000,000 $ 5,000,000              
ZK PPP Loan | Notes Payable to Banks                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Face amount of debt                   $ 10,000,000  
Interest rate (in percent)                   0.98%  
CAVA PPP Loan | Notes Payable to Banks                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Face amount of debt                 $ 10,000,000    
Interest rate (in percent)                 1.00%    
ZK PPP Loan and CAVA PPP Loan | Notes Payable to Banks                      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                      
Debt forgiveness             $ 20,000,000        
v3.24.0.1
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - Reserve Shares of Common Stock (Details) - shares
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Dec. 27, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock (in shares) 0 95,204,000 95,204,000 80,086,000
Awards outstanding under the 2023 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans (in shares) 5,731,000 3,639,000    
Total reserved shares of common stock (in shares) 14,778,000 100,516,000    
2015 And 2023 Equity Incentive Plan        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares available for future issuance (in shares) 7,322,000 1,673,000    
2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares available for future issuance (in shares) 1,725,000 0    
v3.24.0.1
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Mar. 26, 2021
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 25, 2022
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 26, 2021
USD ($)
shares
Apr. 30, 2021
shares
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 27, 2020
shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares) 95,200,000   95,204,000          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001   $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001        
Conversion ratio 1              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)     0 95,204,000 95,204,000     80,086,000
Issuance costs | $     $ 5,384 $ 1,109 $ 0      
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock | $         $ 7,428      
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)     2,500,000,000 150,000,000   150,000,000    
Share Repurchase Agreement                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock (in shares)   1,800,000            
Shares acquired, cost per share (usd per share) | $ / shares   $ 11.61            
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock | $   $ 20,700            
Share Repurchase Agreement | Chief Executive Officer                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock (in shares)   600,000            
Shares acquired, cost per share (usd per share) | $ / shares   $ 11.61            
Repurchase of common stock and redemption of preferred stock | $   $ 7,400            
Stock repurchase program, net payment of proceeds | $   1,000            
March 2021 Promissory Note | Chief Executive Officer                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Note receivable | $   $ 6,400         $ 6,400  
2015 Equity Incentive Plan                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares)   1,900,000            
Number of shares authorized (in shares)   8,100,000            
Series F SPA                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares)   16,900,000            
Sale of stock (in usd per share) | $ / shares   $ 12.55            
Net proceeds from IPO | $   $ 204,100            
Issuance costs | $   $ 7,900            
Share Transfer Agreement                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Sale of stock (in usd per share) | $ / shares   $ 11.61            
Net proceeds from IPO | $   $ 8,000            
Series A                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       13,304,000        
Series B                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       7,714,000        
Series C                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       5,161,000        
Series D                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       4,421,000        
Series E                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       47,703,000        
Series F                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001              
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)       16,901,000        
Common Stock | Share Transfer Agreement                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares)   200,000            
Preferred Stock | Share Transfer Agreement                
Class of Stock [Line Items]                
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares)   500,000            
v3.24.0.1
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - Schedule of Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Dec. 27, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares) 250,000,000 111,874,000    
Shares Issued (in shares) 0 95,204,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0 95,204,000 95,204,000 80,086,000
Liquidation Preference   $ 723,065    
Carrying Value   $ 662,308    
Series A        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   16,003,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   13,304,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   13,304,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 38,161    
Carrying Value   $ (12,912)    
Series B        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   7,731,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   7,714,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   7,714,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 44,250    
Carrying Value   $ 44,024    
Series C        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   5,205,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   5,161,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   5,161,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 34,950    
Carrying Value   $ 34,609    
Series D        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   4,463,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   4,421,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   4,421,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 33,389    
Carrying Value   $ 32,999    
Series E        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   61,571,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   47,703,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   47,703,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 360,315    
Carrying Value   $ 359,520    
Series F        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares Authorized (in shares)   16,901,000    
Shares Issued (in shares)   16,901,000    
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)   16,901,000    
Liquidation Preference   $ 212,000    
Carrying Value   $ 204,068    
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance $ (83,662) $ (88,361)  
Federal net operating loss carryforwards 222,200   $ 7,700
Domestic net operating loss carryforwards $ 224,100    
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Current:      
Federal $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
State 718 88 114
Subtotal current 718 88 114
Deferred:      
Federal 20 2 2
State 30 3 1
Subtotal deferred 50 5 3
Provision for income taxes $ 768 $ 93 $ 117
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES -Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income tax (benefit) at federal statutory rate $ 2,950 $ (12,323) $ (7,846)
State income tax (benefit) 996 (1,885) (3,231)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance (4,699) 13,428 15,795
Deferred taxes 1,032 1,318 572
Equity-based compensation (556) (541) (994)
Nondeductible executive compensation 915 0 0
Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program Notes 0 0 (4,200)
Other permanent adjustments 130 96 21
Provision for income taxes $ 768 $ 93 $ 117
v3.24.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Deferred tax assets:    
Net operating loss $ 59,012 $ 65,423
Operating lease liabilities 89,700 81,204
Property and equipment 4,692 5,230
Interest expense 0 1,602
Equity-based compensation 1,596 2,161
Other 5,732 3,293
Gross deferred tax assets 160,732 158,913
Valuation allowance (83,662) (88,361)
Total deferred income tax assets 77,070 70,552
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Operating lease assets (77,149) (70,580)
Net deferred tax liabilities (77,149) (70,580)
Total net deferred tax liabilities $ (79) $ (28)
v3.24.0.1
LEASES - Schedule of Lease Term and Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Leases [Abstract]    
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 8 years 2 months 12 days 8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average discount rate 6.01% 5.51%
Lease, Cost [Abstract]    
Operating lease cost $ 44,201 $ 42,551
Pre-opening lease cost 4,296 3,823
Closed store lease cost 558 840
Short-term lease costs 364 460
Variable lease cost 1,421 327
Sublease income (479) (659)
Total lease cost $ 50,361 $ 47,342
v3.24.0.1
LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 48,739 $ 49,984
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 43,985 322,015
Operating lease, impairment loss $ 4,946 17,041
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities   $ 256,900
v3.24.0.1
LEASES - Schedule of Maturity (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2024 $ 51,572
2025 56,121
2026 55,186
2027 52,959
2028 47,980
Thereafter 171,699
Total 435,517
Less: imputed interest 99,319
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current) $ 336,198
v3.24.0.1
LEASES - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
Lease payments for leases not yet commenced $ 97.6
v3.24.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
letters_of_credit
Dec. 25, 2022
USD ($)
letters_of_credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]    
Number of irrevocable letters of credit | letters_of_credit 4 8
Letter of Credit    
Other Commitments [Line Items]    
Aggregate amount of letters of credit | $ $ 0.7 $ 1.3
v3.24.0.1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - Related Party - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
CMRG    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Professional fees $ 0.2 $ 0.2
Act III Management, LLC    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Professional fees $ 0.8 $ 1.0
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2023
shares
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 25, 2022
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 26, 2021
USD ($)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Options granted to CEO (in shares)   1,373,000 459,000  
Employee stock purchase plan, offering period   6 months    
Stock issued during period, shares, employee stock purchase plans (less than) (in shares)   100,000    
Share Repurchase Agreement | Chief Executive Officer        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Compensation expense | $       $ 2.8
2023 Equity Incentive Plan        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares authorized for issuance 9,400,000      
Increase in shares reserved for issuance (in percent) 0.01      
2015 And 2023 Equity Incentive Plan        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Compensation expense | $   $ 9.2 $ 4.0 $ 5.5
Stock options        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Option term (in years)   10 years    
Vesting period (in years)   4 years    
Unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards | $   $ 12.3    
Vesting period (in years)   3 years 10 months 24 days    
Stock options | Chief Executive Officer        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period (in years) 5 years      
Options granted to CEO (in shares) 600,000      
Restricted stock units        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period (in years)   4 years    
Vesting period (in years)   3 years 4 months 24 days    
Granted (in shares)   1,699,000 881,000  
Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs | $   $ 27.4    
Restricted stock units | Chief Executive Officer        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period (in years) 5 years      
Granted (in shares) 300,000      
Employee Stock        
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares authorized for issuance 1,700,000      
Compensation expense | $   $ 0.4    
Percent of outstanding shares 1.00%      
Purchase price of common stock (in percent) 85.00%      
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Number Of Options      
Beginning Balance (in shares) 1,863,000 1,432,000  
Granted (in shares) 1,373,000 459,000  
Exercised (in shares) (79,000) (15,000)  
Forfeited or expired (in shares) (79,000) (13,000)  
Ending Balance (in shares) 3,078,000 1,863,000 1,432,000
Exercise Price      
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Beginning Balance (in $ per share) $ 5.04 $ 4.45  
Options granted, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 19.61 6.75  
Options exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 4.34 2.42  
Options forfeited or expired, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 9.47 2.73  
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Ending Balance (in $ per share) $ 11.45 $ 5.04 $ 4.45
Stock Options Additional Disclosures      
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 6 years 9 months 18 days 5 years 10 months 24 days 5 years 9 months 18 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value (in USD) $ 97,054 $ 8,444 $ 3,828
Options exercisable, Number of options (in shares) 1,441,000    
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) $ 4.71    
Options exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 4 years    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]      
Options vested and expected to vest (in shares) 3,078,000    
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) $ 11.45    
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 6 years 9 months 18 days    
Options vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value (in USD) $ 97,054    
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Expected term (in years) 6 years 4 months 24 days 6 years 2 months 12 days
Volatility 46.00% 45.00%
Risk-free interest rate 3.80% 1.70%
Dividend rate 0.00% 0.00%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 9.98 $ 2.97
v3.24.0.1
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Restricted Stock (Details) - Restricted stock units - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Unvested Restricted Stock Outstanding      
Beginning balance (in shares) 1,776,000 1,487,000  
Granted (in shares) 1,699,000 881,000  
Vested (in shares) (568,000) (409,000)  
Forfeited (in shares) (254,000) (183,000)  
Ending balance (in shares) 2,653,000 1,776,000  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value      
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning Balance (usd per share) $ 4.76 $ 3.08  
Granted, Weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share) 17.52 6.74  
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share) 4.45 2.76  
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share) 8.12 3.55  
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending Balance (usd per share) $ 12.69 $ 4.76  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 113,985 $ 16,996 $ 10,032
v3.24.0.1
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net income (loss) $ 13,280 $ (58,987) $ (37,391)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:      
Basic 60,512 1,328 732
Dilutive awards 2,936 0 0
Diluted 63,448 1,328 732
Earnings (loss) per common share:      
Basic (in usd per share) $ 0.22 $ (44.41) $ (51.06)
Diluted (in usd per share) $ 0.21 $ (44.41) $ (51.06)
v3.24.0.1
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Schedule of Antidilutive Shares (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 0 98,181 97,461
Stock options      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 0 1,201 770
Restricted stock units      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 0 1,776 1,487
Preferred stock (as converted to common shares)      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 0 95,204 95,204
v3.24.0.1
SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 25, 2022
Dec. 26, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total revenue $ 728,700 $ 564,119 $ 500,072
Total restaurant-level operating expenses 548,354 466,135 417,919
Total restaurant-level profit 180,346 97,984 82,153
Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes:      
General and administrative expenses 101,491 70,037 64,792
Depreciation and amortization 47,433 42,724 44,538
Restructuring and other costs 6,080 5,923 6,839
Pre-opening costs 15,718 19,313 8,194
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,899 19,753 10,542
Interest (income) expense, net (8,852) 47 4,810
Other income, net (471) (919) (20,288)
Income (loss) before income taxes 14,048 (58,894) (37,274)
Segment Reconciling Items      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total revenue 7,773 7,133 6,037
Total restaurant-level operating expenses 4,738 6,342 4,347
Total restaurant-level profit 3,035 791 1,690
CAVA | Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total revenue 717,060 448,594 278,219
Total restaurant-level operating expenses 539,572 357,501 227,335
Total restaurant-level profit 177,488 91,093 50,884
Zoes Kitchen | Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total revenue 3,867 108,392 215,816
Total restaurant-level operating expenses 4,044 102,292 186,237
Total restaurant-level profit $ (177) $ 6,100 $ 29,579