CAVA GROUP, INC., 10-K filed on 2/25/2026
Annual Report
v3.25.4
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Feb. 17, 2026
Jul. 11, 2025
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 28, 2025    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28    
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 Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 9.2
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   116,377,765  
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 28, 2025.
    
Entity Central Index Key 0001639438    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
v3.25.4
Audit Information
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Firm ID 34
Auditor Name Deloitte & Touche LLP
Auditor Location McLean, Virginia
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 282,917 $ 366,120
Trade accounts receivable, net 6,324 4,799
Other accounts receivable 12,664 8,197
Investments at fair value (amortized cost of $109,951) 110,112 0
Inventories 9,017 7,600
Prepaid expenses and other 10,039 7,438
Total current assets 431,073 394,154
Property and equipment, net 457,501 372,902
Operating lease assets 389,417 321,832
Goodwill 1,944 1,944
Intangible assets, net 1,779 1,355
Deferred income taxes 65,393 71,537
Other long-term assets 12,920 5,945
Total assets 1,360,027 1,169,669
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 37,488 25,573
Accrued expenses and other 76,635 69,822
Operating lease liabilities, current 48,534 37,241
Total current liabilities 162,657 132,636
Operating lease liabilities 417,714 341,467
Total liabilities 580,371 474,103
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 2,500,000 authorized; 116,127 and 115,093 issued and outstanding, respectively 12 12
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,431 shares (34,377) (34,377)
Additional paid-in capital 1,067,504 1,047,275
Accumulated deficit (253,601) (317,344)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 118 0
Total stockholders’ equity 779,656 695,566
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,360,027 $ 1,169,669
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Investments, amortized cost $ 109,951  
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,500,000 2,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 116,127 115,093
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 116,127 115,093
Treasury stock (in shares) 1,431 1,431
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenue $ 1,179,664 $ 963,713 $ 728,700
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization)      
Food, beverage, and packaging 352,778 284,743 213,458
Labor 301,861 247,490 187,326
Occupancy 83,576 69,851 58,319
Other operating expenses 150,982 119,824 89,251
Total restaurant operating expenses 889,197 721,908 548,354
General and administrative expenses 137,462 120,500 101,491
Depreciation and amortization 73,661 60,355 47,433
Restructuring and other costs 0 580 6,080
Pre-opening costs 19,134 12,197 15,718
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,925 5,055 4,899
Total operating expenses 1,124,379 920,595 723,975
Income from operations 55,285 43,118 4,725
Interest income, net (15,045) (16,474) (8,852)
Other income, net (469) (318) (471)
Income before taxes 70,799 59,910 14,048
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 7,056 (70,409) 768
Net income $ 63,743 $ 130,319 $ 13,280
Earnings per share      
Basic (in usd per share) $ 0.55 $ 1.14 $ 0.22
Diluted (in usd per share) $ 0.54 $ 1.10 $ 0.21
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 115,804 114,292 60,512
Diluted (in shares) 118,278 118,273 63,448
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 63,743 $ 130,319 $ 13,280
Other comprehensive income, net of tax      
Unrealized gain on investments 118 0 0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 118 0 0
Comprehensive income $ 63,861 $ 130,319 $ 13,280
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022 95,204,000          
Beginning Balance at Dec. 25, 2022 $ 662,308          
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          
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022   1,409,000        
Beginning balance at Dec. 25, 2022 (448,503) $ 0 $ (6,619) $ 19,059 $ (460,943) $ 0
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022     886,000      
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        
Tax withholding on equity-based compensation awards (in shares)   200,000 200,000      
Tax withholding on equity-based compensation awards (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 0  
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares)   95,204,000        
Conversion of preferred stock 662,309 $ 10   662,299    
Net income 13,280       13,280  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 0          
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023   113,708,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 570,802 $ 11 $ (9,727) 1,028,181 (447,663) 0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023     1,086,000      
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2024 0          
Ending Balance at Dec. 29, 2024 $ 0          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Equity-based compensation 13,603     13,603    
Shares purchased under equity plans (in shares)   830,000        
Shares purchased under equity plans 5,491     5,491    
RSU vesting (in shares)   900,000        
RSU vesting 1 $ 1        
Tax withholding on equity-based compensation awards (in shares)   345,000 345,000      
Tax withholding on equity-based compensation awards (24,650)   $ (24,650)      
Net income 130,319       130,319  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax $ 0          
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2024 115,093,000 115,093,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2024 $ 695,566 $ 12 $ (34,377) 1,047,275 (317,344) 0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2024 1,431,000   1,431,000      
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2025 0          
Ending Balance at Dec. 28, 2025 $ 0          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Equity-based compensation 15,234     15,234    
Shares purchased under equity plans (in shares)   367,000        
Shares purchased under equity plans 4,995     4,995    
RSU vesting (in shares)   667,000        
RSU vesting 0 $ 0        
Net income 63,743       63,743  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax $ 118         118
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2025 116,127,000 116,127,000        
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2025 $ 779,656 $ 12 $ (34,377) $ 1,067,504 $ (253,601) $ 118
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2025 1,431,000   1,431,000      
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]  
Underwriting fees and deferred offering costs $ 29.3
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 63,743 $ 130,319 $ 13,280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 73,661 60,355 47,433
Unrealized gain on convertible promissory note (291) 0 0
Equity-based compensation 15,234 13,603 9,360
Deferred income taxes 6,102 (71,616) 50
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,925 5,055 4,899
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Trade accounts receivable (1,525) (1,137) (835)
Other accounts receivable (4,467) 26 (3,315)
Inventories (1,417) (1,963) (498)
Prepaid expenses and other (5,001) (3,362) 60
Operating lease assets (67,976) (32,494) (20,521)
Accounts payable 9,434 8,903 2,549
Accrued expenses and other 4,819 10,791 19,123
Operating lease liabilities 87,599 42,547 25,516
Net cash provided by operating activities 184,840 161,027 97,101
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchases of property and equipment (158,699) (108,131) (138,806)
Purchases of debt securities (134,664) 0 0
Investment in convertible promissory note (5,000) 0 0
Proceeds from principal payments on debt securities 25,325 0 0
Net cash used in investing activities (273,038) (108,131) (138,806)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from long-term debt 0 0 6,000
Payments on long-term debt 0 0 (6,000)
Tax withholding on equity-based compensation awards 0 (24,650) (3,108)
Shares purchased under equity plans 4,995 5,491 1,353
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of $22.8 million 0 0 342,604
Offering costs paid 0 0 (5,384)
Payment of loan acquisition fees 0 0 (372)
Payments on finance lease obligations 0 (45) (85)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 4,995 (19,204) 335,008
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (83,203) 33,692 293,303
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 366,120 332,428 39,125
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year 282,917 366,120 332,428
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:      
Cash paid for fees and interest related to long-term debt 164 211 330
Cash paid for income taxes 1,672 2,533 116
Change in accrued purchases of property and equipment 4,475 (986) 584
Conversion of redeemable preferred stock into common stock in connection with initial public offering $ 0 $ 0 $ 662,309
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]  
Underwriting discounts and commissions $ 22.8
v3.25.4
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
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 28, 2025, operates 439 fast-casual CAVA Restaurants in 28 states and Washington, D.C. The Company’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine unites taste and health, with a menu that features chef-curated and customizable bowls and pitas. The Company centrally produces dips, spreads, and certain dressing bases for use in its restaurants while also selling its dips, spreads, and prepared dressings in grocery stores.
v3.25.4
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Initial Public Offering—On June 20, 2023, the Company 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, the Company received net proceeds from the offering of $336.1 million. In connection with the IPO, the Company 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, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock, and Series F Preferred Stock, each of which had a par value of $0.0001 per share in connection with the Company’s IPO. Conversion of the preferred stock into shares of common stock occurred automatically. As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 there were no outstanding shares of preferred stock.
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 years ended December 28, 2025 (“fiscal 2025”) and December 29, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”) each contain 52 weeks, and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) contains 53 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 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates made by the Company include the evaluation of a potential 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, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable primarily relates to revenues from 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 an allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 of approximately $0.1 million.
Investments—Investments consists of a portfolio of fixed income debt securities classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost, net of any credit loss allowances, and fair value is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Interest earned on investments is presented within interest income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories—Inventories consist of food, beverage, paper goods, finished goods, raw materials, 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 is 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
Building
39 years
Equipment and vehicles
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Expenditures for improvements 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 and presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal costs, including payroll and payroll-related costs, for employees directly associated with development and construction of future restaurants that are considered probable to open. These costs are included in property and equipment, net and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated life of the related asset. 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, net and are depreciated over the estimated life of the related computer hardware and software. The Company capitalized internal payroll costs related to new restaurant construction and technology activities of $9.0 million, $6.0 million, and $5.6 million during fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Leases—We lease all of our restaurants, our production facility in Laurel, Maryland, our food distribution center in Edison, New Jersey, our restaurant collaboration center in Washington, D.C., and our support centers in Brooklyn, New York, Manhattan, New York, and Plano, Texas under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2041. 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 considers 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. The Company made policy elections to not apply the balance sheet recognition requirements for short-term leases (less than 12 months) and to account for lease components and non-lease components as a single lease component. 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.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Related to the acquisition of CAVA Foods, LLC in 2015, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.9 million. Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of purchased trademarks of $0.8 million and $0.6 million of other intangibles. Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of favorable lease assets and licenses to reproduce artwork. These assets are amortized on a straight‑line basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of favorable lease assets corresponds to the related lease term, and the useful life of artwork reproduction licenses corresponds to the contractual license period, which is typically two years. 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, which are presented in impairment and asset disposal costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, of $1.3 million in each of fiscal 2025 and 2023 as further described in Note 5 (Fair Value).
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 and 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 are recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. Revenue recognized from gift card breakage was immaterial in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Loyalty Program—CAVA Rewards members generally earn points for every dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for various rewards, which consist of free food and beverage items. Points expire if an account is inactive for a period of 180 days, and earned rewards converted from points expire 60 days after they are issued.
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. The amount of revenue recognized or deferred is based on the stand-alone selling price of the loyalty points multiplied by an estimated redemption rate. The Company determines the stand-alone selling price of loyalty points based on the estimated value of the products for which a reward is expected to be redeemed.
Advertising and Marketing Costs—Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $14.4 million, $8.8 million, and $6.1 million during fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and are distributed among general and administrative expenses, other operating expenses, and pre-opening costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Pre-opening Costs—Pre-opening costs primarily consist of expenses incurred prior to opening a new restaurant and are made up primarily of manager salaries, payroll and training costs, travel costs, supplies, relocation costs, and recruiting expenses. 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. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had recorded a full valuation against its deferred tax assets. The full valuation was released in fiscal 2024, as described in Note 8 (Income Taxes).
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 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024.
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 28, 2025.
Equity-based Compensation—The Company has issued stock options and RSUs under its equity incentive plans and purchase rights under its employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). 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.
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 per share—Basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”)
adjusts basic EPS 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. For information regarding assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, refer to Note 5 (Fair Value).
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 requires significant judgment.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 Company adopted the guidance beginning with its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025 which did not have a significant impact to its financial statement disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (Subtopic 220-40), which requires disaggregation, in tabular presentation, of certain income statement expenses into different categories, such as purchases of inventory, employee compensation, and depreciation. The FASB issued an update in January 2025, ASU 2025-01, which clarifies the effective date of ASU 2024-03. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 (the Company’s fiscal 2027), with early adoption permitted, and may be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its financial statements and disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which modernizes the accounting guidance for costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendment aligns capitalization criteria with current development practices and eliminates separate guidance for website development costs. Under the new standard, capitalization of eligible costs begins when (i) management authorizes and commits to funding the project and (ii) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used as intended. ASU 2025-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027 (the Company’s fiscal 2028), and may be applied prospectively, on a modified basis for in-process projects, or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
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.
v3.25.4
REVENUE
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE REVENUE
The Company’s revenue was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Restaurant revenue$1,169,286 $954,273 $720,927 
CPG revenue and other10,378 9,440 7,773 
Revenue$1,179,664 $963,713 $728,700 
Revenue from the redemption of the Company’s gift cards and loyalty program is included in restaurant revenue.
Changes in the CAVA Rewards and gift card liabilities, which are included in accrued expenses and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202520242023
CAVA Rewards and gift card liabilities, beginning balance$6,736 $4,096 $3,265 
Revenue deferred - gift card purchases and CAVA Rewards points earned16,790 14,767 11,620 
Revenue recognized - redemptions and breakage(16,751)(12,127)(10,789)
CAVA Rewards and gift cards liabilities, ending balance$6,775 $6,736 $4,096 
v3.25.4
INVESTMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS
Fixed income debt securities
The Company’s investments in fixed income debt securities were as follows:
December 28, 2025
(in thousands)Gross unrealized
Security Type CategoryAmortized CostGainsLossEstimated Fair Value
Asset backed$13,790 $18 $— $13,808 
Commercial deposits3,089 2 — 3,091 
Commercial paper2,306 1 — 2,307 
Corporate bonds64,423 96 — 64,519 
U.S. government bonds26,343 44 — 26,387 
Total$109,951 $161 $— $110,112 
In determining credit losses on its investments in an unrealized loss position, the Company considers certain factors that may include, among others, severity of the unrealized loss, security type, industry sector, credit rating, yield to maturity, profitability, and stock performance. Based on the Company’s review of its investments in an unrealized loss position, it determined that the losses were due to non-credit factors and, therefore, it does not consider these securities to be credit impaired at December 28, 2025. As of December 28, 2025, the Company did not intend to sell any investments in an unrealized loss position, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell any investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis.
Investments in fixed income debt securities by contractual maturities were as follows:
December 28, 2025
(in thousands)Amortized CostEstimated Fair Value
Less than one year$84,263 $84,386 
1.0 to 2.0 years15,399 15,425 
2.0 to 3.0 years9,247 9,257 
More than 3.0 years1,042 1,044 
Total$109,951 $110,112 
Note Receivable
In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company made a $5.0 million investment in a convertible promissory note of Hyphen Technologies, Inc. (the “Note Receivable”), which develops and provides automated makelines designed to improve the speed and efficiency of food production. The Company intends to test this technology in its digital business. The Company is committed to making an additional investment of $5.0 million upon the achievement of a predefined milestone event. This contingent investment will be made in the form of a convertible promissory note at terms that are substantially similar to the Note Receivable. Refer to Note 14 (Subsequent Events) for more information. The Note Receivable is presented within other long-term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 5 (Fair Value) for more information. As of December 28, 2025, the Company’s estimated fair value of the Note Receivable was $5.3 million. The change in estimated fair value is recognized as a component of other income, net in the accompanying statement of operations.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE FAIR VALUE
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fixed income debt securities
The fair values of fixed income debt securities were based on the market values obtained from an independent asset management service. The asset management service utilizes the market approach in determining the fair values of the investments held by the Company. Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models used to value the Company’s investments in fixed income debt securities include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, credit spreads, credit ratings, bond insurance (if applicable), benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. For asset backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include the structure of issuance, characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes, and prepayment speeds.
Note Receivable
The Company has elected to account for the Note Receivable described in Note 4 (Investments) under the fair value option. As a result, the embedded conversion feature, which would otherwise require bifurcation, is not accounted for separately. The fair value of the Note Receivable is determined under a market approach utilizing Level 3 inputs such as estimates of the equity value of the underlying business, volatility, and a probability-weighted expected time to exit.
The fair value of the Company’s assets that are measured on a recurring basis was as follows:
(in thousands)December 28, 2025
Security Type CategoryLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Asset backed$— $13,808 $— $13,808 
Commercial deposits— 3,091 — 3,091 
Commercial paper— 2,307 — 2,307 
Corporate bonds— 64,519 — 64,519 
U.S. government bonds26,387 — — 26,387 
Fixed income debt securities$26,387 $83,725 $— $110,112 
Note Receivable$— $— $5,291 $5,291 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis may include items such as property and equipment, net, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible 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.
The following table presents impairment charges by reportable segment and asset disposal costs recognized during the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Impairment charges
CAVA$1,253 $— $547 
Other— — 745 
Total impairment1,253 — 1,292 
Total asset disposal costs3,672 5,055 3,607 
Total impairment and asset disposal costs$4,925 $5,055 $4,899 
Impairment charges within the CAVA segment relate to certain operating lease assets and property and equipment, net. Impairment charges within Other relate to the Company’s Zoes Kitchen conversion strategy. The fair value of these assets was determined using an income approach (discounted cash flow method), which was measured using Level 3 inputs. Unobservable inputs include the discount rate and projected restaurant revenues and expenses. Asset disposal costs primarily relate to normal course replacement of certain assets in our restaurants in all fiscal years presented, the impact of Hurricane Helene on one of our restaurants in North Carolina in fiscal 2024, and the Zoes Kitchen conversion strategy as described in Note 13 (Segment Reporting) in fiscal 2023.
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Property and equipment, net
The Company’s property and equipment, net, were as follows:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Land$600 $600 
Building24,049 24,042 
Leasehold improvements425,580 332,312 
Equipment132,017 107,995 
Furniture and fixtures22,400 20,860 
Computer hardware and software63,818 54,217 
Construction in progress42,195 27,725 
Total property and equipment, gross710,659 567,751 
Less accumulated depreciation(253,158)(194,849)
Total property and equipment, net$457,501 $372,902 
Construction in progress includes new restaurant openings and technology improvements.
Intangible assets, net
The increase in intangible assets, net, during fiscal 2025, was primarily due to three favorable lease assets recognized in connection with an asset acquisition supporting the Company’s new restaurant openings.
Accrued expenses and other
The Company’s accrued expenses and other were as follows:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes$29,415 $30,272 
Accrued capital purchases9,509 7,514 
Sales and use tax payable4,524 4,024 
Gift card and loyalty liabilities6,775 6,736 
Other accrued expenses26,412 21,276 
Total accrued expenses and other$76,635 $69,822 
v3.25.4
DEBT
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
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 provided for a $30.0 million delayed draw term loan facility (the “Delayed Draw Facility”) to finance construction and capital expenditures in respect of the Company’s production facility in Verona, Virginia. 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). The Delayed Draw Facility terminated on August 15, 2024.
As of December 28, 2025, available borrowing capacity under the 2022 Credit Facility was $74.1 million, net of $0.9 million of outstanding letters of credit. 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 28, 2025, the Company had unamortized loan origination fees of $0.3 million related to the 2022 Credit Facility recorded within other long-term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Interest on loans under the 2022 Credit Facility is 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 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024.
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 substantially all of the 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 restrictions on our ability to undertake certain transactions, including limitations on additional indebtedness, creation of liens, dividend payments and payments of other indebtedness, investments and transactions with affiliates. The 2022 Credit Facility also includes financial maintenance covenants that require compliance with certain financial ratios or liquidity levels on a quarterly basis. The availability of certain baskets and the ability to enter into certain transactions may be subject to compliance with such ratios or levels. In addition, the 2022 Credit Facility contains other customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default. As of December 28, 2025, the Company was in compliance with these financial maintenance and other covenants.
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
At December 29, 2024, the Company assessed 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 positive evidence evaluated was the cumulative income earned over the three-year period ended December 29, 2024. Such objective evidence, in addition to forecasted future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented, were determined to support that it is more likely than not the existing DTAs will be realized. On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 29, 2024, the valuation allowance against the DTAs of $83.7 million was fully released. As of December 28, 2025 management determined that no valuation allowance was required.
Disaggregation of pre-tax income and provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
(in thousands)
202520242023
Income before taxes
U.S.$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
Total income before taxes$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Current tax expense
U.S. federal$20 $— $— 
U.S. state and local934 1,207 718 
Total954 1,207 718 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
U.S. federal 5,793 (56,021)20 
U.S. state and local309 (15,595)30 
Total deferred tax expense6,102 (71,616)50 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes$7,056 $(70,409)$768 
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes for the reasons set forth below:
2025
(in thousands)$%
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate$14,868 21.0 %
Nontaxable and nondeductible items, net
Equity-based compensation(9,543)(13.5)%
Other744 1.1 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal effect1
987 1.4 %
Provision for income taxes$7,056 10.0 %
__________________
1    State taxes in California and Texas made up greater than 50% of the tax effect in this category.
As previously disclosed for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09, the effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate
$
12,581 
$
2,950 
State income tax expense
5,931 
996 
Decrease in valuation allowance
(83,662)
(4,699)
Deferred taxes
— 
1,032 
Equity-based compensation
(5,251)
(556)
Nondeductible executive compensation
227 
915 
Other permanent adjustments
(235)
130 
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
$
(70,409)
$
768 
As a result of the release of the valuation allowance in fiscal 2024, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability related to the federal tax impact of its state deferred tax assets, which resulted in an increase to income tax expense of $3.6 million in fiscal 2024 presented within state income tax expense in the table above. The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2025 and 2024 includes a permanent benefit associated with equity-based compensation, which impacts federal and state taxes.
The following table presents the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss$63,731 $52,797 
Operating lease liabilities120,373 97,358 
Equity-based compensation1,660 1,226 
Other5,368 5,705 
Net deferred tax assets191,132 157,086 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease assets(100,537)(82,737)
Property and equipment(25,202)(2,812)
Net deferred tax liabilities(125,739)(85,549)
Total net deferred tax assets$65,393 $71,537 
Income taxes paid (net of refunds) were as follows:
(in thousands)2025
California$942 
Massachusetts156
Texas310
Other264
Total U.S. state and local$1,672 
The Company had available as of December 28, 2025, $270.5 million and $142.9 million of unused federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. 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 has performed an analysis to substantiate existing net operating loss carryforwards are available for use related to historical changes in the Company’s ownership. The Company’s federal net operating losses generated before December 31, 2017, have all been utilized as of December 29, 2024. State net operating losses expire over varying intervals in the future.
On July 4, 2025, the United States Congress enacted H.R.1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), introducing significant amendments to the U.S. tax legislation, including extensions and modifications to
provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The OBBBA contains multiple effective dates, with certain provisions applicable beginning in 2025 and others phased in over subsequent years. The increase in deferred tax liabilities related to property and equipment, as seen in the table above, is associated with the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation. The Company will continue to monitor future administrative guidance and regulatory developments that may clarify the application of the OBBBA’s provisions.
v3.25.4
LEASES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows as of the period indicated:
December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)8.58.2
Weighted average discount rate6.63 %6.26 %
The components of lease cost were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)Classification202520242023
Operating lease cost1
Occupancy, General and administrative expenses$61,494 $52,573 $44,201 
Pre-opening lease costPre-opening costs6,591 3,867 4,296 
Closed restaurant lease cost
Other income, net, Restructuring and other costs
95 97 558 
Short-term lease cost
General and administrative expenses428 328 364 
Variable lease costOccupancy2,321 2,695 1,421 
Sublease incomeOther income, net(347)(470)(479)
Total lease cost$70,582 $59,090 $50,361 
__________________
1    Excludes $13.5 million, $10.6 million, and $9.4 million in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, relating to variable real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance costs.

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$64,842 $58,172 $48,739 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
108,467 66,820 43,985 
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment391 109 4,946 

Refer to Note 5 (Fair Value) for a description of impairment charges that included a reduction to operating lease assets in fiscal 2025 and 2023.
Future minimum lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases consist of the following as of December 28, 2025:
(in thousands)Operating Leases
2026$77,297 
202779,551 
202875,063 
202970,856 
203067,107 
Thereafter255,004 
Total624,878 
Less: imputed interest158,630 
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current)$466,248 
As of December 28, 2025, future minimum lease payments excluded $146.5 million relating to legally binding leases executed but not yet commenced.
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
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 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, the Company had six and four irrevocable letters of credit in favor of various landlords in the aggregate amount of $0.9 million and $0.7 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, most of which are covered by insurance, 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 the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Investments—Refer to Note 4 (Investments) and Note 14 (Subsequent Events) for information regarding the Company’s commitment related to an investment in a convertible promissory note.
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
2023 Equity Incentive Plan—The Amended and Restated 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2023 Plan”) reserved 9.4 million authorized shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance to employees, directors, and consultants through stock options (both incentive and non-qualified), 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 commencing on December 30, 2024 (first day of fiscal 2025) by a number of shares equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) a lesser number of shares as determined by our Board of Directors. As of December 28, 2025, 8.4 million shares were available for issuance under the 2023 Plan, which includes 1.2 million from an automatic increase on December 30, 2024 (the first day of fiscal 2025). The Board of Directors approved no increase to the plan reserve on December 29, 2025 (the first day of fiscal 2026).
2015 Equity Incentive Plan—Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock unit awards to employees, directors, and consultants under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). Following effectiveness of the 2023 Equity Incentive 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 2025, 2024, and 2023 the Company recognized compensation expense (including applicable payroll taxes) related to awards under the equity incentive plans and the 2023 ESPP (as defined below) of $18.1 million, $17.1 million, and $9.6 million, respectively. Equity-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
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 to or exceeded the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. 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 the Company’s CEO in connection with the IPO that 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 29, 20242,264 $13.96 6.9$227,328 
Granted107 95.03 
Exercised(311)6.19 
Forfeited or expired(83)28.48 
Outstanding - December 28, 20251,977 $18.96 6.4$84,660 
Exercisable - December 28, 20251,139 $12.70 5.6
Vested and expected to vest - December 28, 20251,977 $18.96 6.4$84,660 
As of December 28, 2025, there was $9.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, was $25.1 million, $99.3 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option pricing model during the fiscal years indicated:
202520242023
Expected term (in years)1
6.26.36.4
Volatility2
49.2%46.7%46.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.1%4.1%3.8%
Dividend rate—%—%—%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$50.14$24.47$9.98
__________________
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.
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 the Company’s CEO in connection with the IPO that 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 29, 20241,636 $14.79 $187,109 
Granted154 91.50 
Vested(667)12.74 
Forfeited(152)23.36 
Non-vested - December 28, 2025971 $27.01 $58,406 
As of December 28, 2025, there was $18.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs during fiscal 2024 and 2023 was $63.24 and $17.52, respectively. The aggregate fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $68.0 million, $64.8 million, and $8.5 million, respectively.
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 1.8 million shares of common stock to the Company’s employees of which 1.6 million were available for issuance as of December 28, 2025. The number of shares available for issuance under the 2023 ESPP will automatically increase on the first day of each fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2024 (the first day of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the effective date of the 2023 ESPP falls in) by the lesser of (i) a number of shares such that the aggregate number of shares available for grant under the 2023 ESPP immediately following such increase will be equal to 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 deductions 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 trading day of the offering period or (ii) the last trading day of the offering period. During fiscal 2025, the Company issued less than 0.1 million shares under the 2023 ESPP.
v3.25.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)202520242023
Net income$63,743 $130,319 $13,280 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
115,804 114,292 60,512 
Dilutive awards2,474 3,981 2,936 
Diluted118,278 118,273 63,448 
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.55 $1.14 $0.22 
Diluted$0.54 $1.10 $0.21 
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 per share as the impact would have been anti-dilutive for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Stock options85 1 — 
Restricted stock units104 1 — 
Total common stock equivalents189 2 — 
v3.25.4
SEGMENT REPORTING
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT REPORTING SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s operations are conducted as two operating segments: CAVA and CAVA Foods. CAVA includes the operations of all company-owned CAVA restaurants. CAVA Foods includes the production of dips, spreads, and certain dressing bases used in CAVA restaurants as well as sales from the Company’s CPG. Prior to completion of the conversion strategy described below, in fiscal 2023, the Company operated a third segment, Zoes Kitchen, which included the operations of all Zoes Kitchen locations. 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. The CODM does not manage the Company on a consolidated basis. CAVA Foods and, in fiscal 2023, Zoes Kitchen are below quantitative thresholds for segment reporting purposes, resulting in CAVA being the Company’s one reportable segment for the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements. Other includes the Company’s CPG sales from CAVA Foods, and in fiscal 2023, the remaining activity of previously operated Zoes Kitchen locations.
Between 2019 and 2023, the Company completed a strategy of converting Zoes Kitchen restaurants into CAVA restaurants, with the last conversion restaurant opening on October 20, 2023, resulting in a total of 153 conversion restaurants. As of March 2, 2023, the Company no longer operates any Zoes Kitchen locations.
The CODM reviews segment performance and allocates resources based upon restaurant-level profit, which is defined as segment revenues less food, beverage, and packaging, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses. Restaurant-level profit is used to measure the segment’s profitability as corporate-level expenses are excluded from such measure. The CODM uses restaurant-level profit for each segment in the annual budget to make decisions about the allocation of resources, with the monitoring of actual results to determine appropriate changes to such allocation. All segment revenue is earned in the United States, and all intersegment revenues have been eliminated. Intersegment revenues represent the sale, from CAVA Foods to CAVA, of dips and spreads used in our restaurants. 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 does not review asset information by segment, assets are reported only on a consolidated basis.
The following table presents financial information about the Company’s reportable segment and includes reconciliations of reportable segment revenue to consolidated revenue and reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before taxes for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
CAVA Revenue$1,169,286 $954,273 $717,060 
Reconciliation of reportable segment revenue to consolidated revenue:
Other revenue1
10,378 9,440 11,640 
Total consolidated revenue$1,179,664 $963,713 $728,700 
Significant CAVA segment expenses
Food, beverage, and packaging$348,684 $279,741 $208,237 
Labor301,861 247,490 185,820 
Occupancy83,576 69,851 57,811 
Other operating expenses2
150,121 119,078 87,704 
Total CAVA segment expenses884,242 716,160 539,572 
CAVA restaurant-level profit285,044 238,113 177,488 
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before income taxes:
Other non-reportable segment profit1
(5,423)(3,692)(2,858)
General and administrative expenses137,462 120,500 101,491 
Depreciation and amortization73,661 60,355 47,433 
Restructuring and other costs— 580 6,080 
Pre-opening costs19,134 12,197 15,718 
Impairment and asset disposal costs4,925 5,055 4,899 
Interest income, net(15,045)(16,474)(8,852)
Other income, net(469)(318)(471)
Income before taxes$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
__________________
1    In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, Other revenue and Other non-reportable segment profit include activity from the Company’s CAVA Foods operating segment. In fiscal 2023, Other revenue consists of $7.8 million from CAVA Foods and $3.9 million from the closed Zoes Kitchen operating segment. Other non-reportable segment profit in fiscal 2023 consists of $3.0 million from CAVA Foods and a $0.2 million loss from Zoes Kitchen.
2    Other operating expenses includes all other restaurant-level operating expenses, such as kitchen supplies, utilities, repairs and maintenance, travel costs, credit card and bank fees, recruiting, third-party delivery service fees, and marketing expenses.
v3.25.4
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 2, 2026, the milestone condition described in Note 4 (Investments) was achieved. As a result, the Company is obligated to fund an additional $5.0 million investment in the form of a convertible promissory note within 30 days of such event.
v3.25.4
Insider Trading Arrangements
 3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
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
v3.25.4
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]  
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted true
v3.25.4
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]
We have developed a cybersecurity program that evaluates material risks to our business and applies controls in an attempt to help avoid or mitigate them. Our key cybersecurity risks include, among others: brand and reputational damage, business disruption, regulatory and compliance risk, sensitive data loss, and reliance on third parties.
We recognize cybersecurity as an enterprise risk, and accordingly cybersecurity risk has been integrated into our overall risk management process. As part of our overall enterprise risk management process, we have established our management-level Risk Committee, composed of our Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer, among others, which assesses overall risks to the Company based on input from our other business leaders. We have also implemented an incident response process that is overseen by our Chief Information Security Officer, who reports to the Chief Information Officer and is supported by a multi-level incident response process led by our cybersecurity team. This is a documented framework that addresses our processes to assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats and incidents, which are prioritized for response and remediation efforts. Our incident response process includes analysis of the impact of a cybersecurity threat or incident for materiality to ensure proper reporting. We enhance and validate our incident response process through tabletop exercises and engagements with third-party partners.
We engage third parties and auditors to assess our cybersecurity program, including the use of select penetration testing and threat intelligence services, and to assist us in adopting and implementing industry-standard practices to improve our cybersecurity program. We have also retained third parties for cybersecurity incident response engagement in the event that a cybersecurity threat or incident requires capabilities beyond those of our own cybersecurity program. In addition, we have a third-party managed security operations center that provides 24/7 monitoring and alerting, threat intelligence, and posture recommendations. We are members of the Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, with more than 300 member companies from the retail, hospitality, and travel industries, which enables us to benchmark our cybersecurity risks, identify and adopt industry-standard practices for our cybersecurity program, subscribe to threat intelligence alerts, and contribute to the collective defense of our industries.
We have a process to oversee and identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the use of third-party service providers. We conduct a third-party risk assessment program through the use of assessment templates, surveys and contractual requirements that evaluates certain potential and current vendors in connection with our security standards. If, following an evaluation, a third-party’s cybersecurity controls are assessed by us as inadequate based on risk, we work with our business partners to engage a replacement vendor and remediate or seek to reduce our exposure, if any.
While we are subject to cybersecurity threats and attacks like most companies, risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected and are not reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, as discussed more fully under Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” cybersecurity threats continue to evolve to become more sophisticated and there is a risk that we could experience compromise of our information technology systems and data. Accordingly, while we continue to make significant investment in physical and technological security measures, including third-party services designed to help us anticipate cyber-attacks and prevent breaches, we cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in adequately responding to, or preventing, cyber-attacks. We also maintain cybersecurity insurance that is regularly reviewed to assess whether there is appropriate coverage.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]
We have developed a cybersecurity program that evaluates material risks to our business and applies controls in an attempt to help avoid or mitigate them. Our key cybersecurity risks include, among others: brand and reputational damage, business disruption, regulatory and compliance risk, sensitive data loss, and reliance on third parties.
We recognize cybersecurity as an enterprise risk, and accordingly cybersecurity risk has been integrated into our overall risk management process. As part of our overall enterprise risk management process, we have established our management-level Risk Committee, composed of our Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer, among others, which assesses overall risks to the Company based on input from our other business leaders. We have also implemented an incident response process that is overseen by our Chief Information Security Officer, who reports to the Chief Information Officer and is supported by a multi-level incident response process led by our cybersecurity team. This is a documented framework that addresses our processes to assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats and incidents, which are prioritized for response and remediation efforts. Our incident response process includes analysis of the impact of a cybersecurity threat or incident for materiality to ensure proper reporting. We enhance and validate our incident response process through tabletop exercises and engagements with third-party partners.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]
Role of the Board
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the primary oversight of strategic risk, including cybersecurity risk oversight. The Audit Committee receives regular reports on at least a quarterly basis from our cybersecurity team, typically on, among other things, our cybersecurity posture, cybersecurity benchmarking, potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and other cybersecurity interest items such as the external cybersecurity environment, items requiring Audit Committee input, and our broader cybersecurity program roadmap, in order to monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents. The Audit Committee regularly reports to the full Board of Directors regarding its activities, including those related to cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the primary oversight of strategic risk, including cybersecurity risk oversight.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Risk Committee meets on at least a quarterly basis to review enterprise risks, including with respect to cybersecurity, as applicable. The Audit Committee is briefed on enterprise risk, including cybersecurity risk, at least on a quarterly basis by our Chief Legal Officer or a member of their team in coordination with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or through general updates. In addition, our cybersecurity team, led by the Chief Information Officer, works cross functionally with our legal and other business functions to provide cybersecurity training and, as appropriate, manage cybersecurity risks and incidents.
Our Chief Information Officer and our Chief Information Security Officer each have more than two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. The cybersecurity team has related academic degrees, multiple certifications, and real-world experience managing cybersecurity incidents and risks and is responsible for building out the materials for review by leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]
Role of Management
We have established a management-level Risk Committee, that is comprised of the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as certain of their respective Team Members. The Risk Committee meets on at least a quarterly basis to review enterprise risks, including with respect to cybersecurity, as applicable. The Audit Committee is briefed on enterprise risk, including cybersecurity risk, at least on a quarterly basis by our Chief Legal Officer or a member of their team in coordination with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or through general updates. In addition, our cybersecurity team, led by the Chief Information Officer, works cross functionally with our legal and other business functions to provide cybersecurity training and, as appropriate, manage cybersecurity risks and incidents.
Our Chief Information Officer and our Chief Information Security Officer each have more than two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. The cybersecurity team has related academic degrees, multiple certifications, and real-world experience managing cybersecurity incidents and risks and is responsible for building out the materials for review by leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block]
We have established a management-level Risk Committee, that is comprised of the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as certain of their respective Team Members. The Risk Committee meets on at least a quarterly basis to review enterprise risks, including with respect to cybersecurity, as applicable. The Audit Committee is briefed on enterprise risk, including cybersecurity risk, at least on a quarterly basis by our Chief Legal Officer or a member of their team in coordination with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or through general updates. In addition, our cybersecurity team, led by the Chief Information Officer, works cross functionally with our legal and other business functions to provide cybersecurity training and, as appropriate, manage cybersecurity risks and incidents.
Our Chief Information Officer and our Chief Information Security Officer each have more than two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. The cybersecurity team has related academic degrees, multiple certifications, and real-world experience managing cybersecurity incidents and risks and is responsible for building out the materials for review by leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]
Our Chief Information Officer and our Chief Information Security Officer each have more than two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. The cybersecurity team has related academic degrees, multiple certifications, and real-world experience managing cybersecurity incidents and risks and is responsible for building out the materials for review by leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block]
Role of Management
We have established a management-level Risk Committee, that is comprised of the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as certain of their respective Team Members. The Risk Committee meets on at least a quarterly basis to review enterprise risks, including with respect to cybersecurity, as applicable. The Audit Committee is briefed on enterprise risk, including cybersecurity risk, at least on a quarterly basis by our Chief Legal Officer or a member of their team in coordination with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or through general updates. In addition, our cybersecurity team, led by the Chief Information Officer, works cross functionally with our legal and other business functions to provide cybersecurity training and, as appropriate, manage cybersecurity risks and incidents.
Our Chief Information Officer and our Chief Information Security Officer each have more than two decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity. The cybersecurity team has related academic degrees, multiple certifications, and real-world experience managing cybersecurity incidents and risks and is responsible for building out the materials for review by leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] true
v3.25.4
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
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 years ended December 28, 2025 (“fiscal 2025”) and December 29, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”) each contain 52 weeks, and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) contains 53 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 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates made by the Company include the evaluation of a potential 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, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable—Trade accounts receivable primarily relates to revenues from 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.
Investments
Investments—Investments consists of a portfolio of fixed income debt securities classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost, net of any credit loss allowances, and fair value is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Interest earned on investments is presented within interest income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories
Inventories—Inventories consist of food, beverage, paper goods, finished goods, raw materials, 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 is 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
Building
39 years
Equipment and vehicles
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
Expenditures for improvements 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 and presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal costs, including payroll and payroll-related costs, for employees directly associated with development and construction of future restaurants that are considered probable to open. These costs are included in property and equipment, net and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated life of the related asset. 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, net and are depreciated over the estimated life of the related computer hardware and software.
Leases
Leases—We lease all of our restaurants, our production facility in Laurel, Maryland, our food distribution center in Edison, New Jersey, our restaurant collaboration center in Washington, D.C., and our support centers in Brooklyn, New York, Manhattan, New York, and Plano, Texas under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2041. 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 considers 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. The Company made policy elections to not apply the balance sheet recognition requirements for short-term leases (less than 12 months) and to account for lease components and non-lease components as a single lease component. 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.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Related to the acquisition of CAVA Foods, LLC in 2015, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.9 million. Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of purchased trademarks of $0.8 million and $0.6 million of other intangibles. Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of favorable lease assets and licenses to reproduce artwork. These assets are amortized on a straight‑line basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of favorable lease assets corresponds to the related lease term, and the useful life of artwork reproduction licenses corresponds to the contractual license period, which is typically two years. 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
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 and 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 are recognized as breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. Revenue recognized from gift card breakage was immaterial in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Loyalty Program—CAVA Rewards members generally earn points for every dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for various rewards, which consist of free food and beverage items. Points expire if an account is inactive for a period of 180 days, and earned rewards converted from points expire 60 days after they are issued.
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. The amount of revenue recognized or deferred is based on the stand-alone selling price of the loyalty points multiplied by an estimated redemption rate. The Company determines the stand-alone selling price of loyalty points based on the estimated value of the products for which a reward is expected to be redeemed.
Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and Marketing Costs—Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening Costs—Pre-opening costs primarily consist of expenses incurred prior to opening a new restaurant and are made up primarily of manager salaries, payroll and training costs, travel costs, supplies, relocation costs, and recruiting expenses. 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. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had recorded a full valuation against its deferred tax assets. The full valuation was released in fiscal 2024, as described in Note 8 (Income Taxes).
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 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024.
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 28, 2025.
Equity-based Compensation
Equity-based Compensation—The Company has issued stock options and RSUs under its equity incentive plans and purchase rights under its employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). 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.
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 per share
Earnings per share—Basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”)
adjusts basic EPS 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. For information regarding assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis,
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 requires significant judgment.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 Company adopted the guidance beginning with its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025 which did not have a significant impact to its financial statement disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (Subtopic 220-40), which requires disaggregation, in tabular presentation, of certain income statement expenses into different categories, such as purchases of inventory, employee compensation, and depreciation. The FASB issued an update in January 2025, ASU 2025-01, which clarifies the effective date of ASU 2024-03. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 (the Company’s fiscal 2027), with early adoption permitted, and may be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its financial statements and disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which modernizes the accounting guidance for costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendment aligns capitalization criteria with current development practices and eliminates separate guidance for website development costs. Under the new standard, capitalization of eligible costs begins when (i) management authorizes and commits to funding the project and (ii) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used as intended. ASU 2025-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027 (the Company’s fiscal 2028), and may be applied prospectively, on a modified basis for in-process projects, or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
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.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring/ Non - recurring Basis
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fixed income debt securities
The fair values of fixed income debt securities were based on the market values obtained from an independent asset management service. The asset management service utilizes the market approach in determining the fair values of the investments held by the Company. Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models used to value the Company’s investments in fixed income debt securities include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, credit spreads, credit ratings, bond insurance (if applicable), benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. For asset backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include the structure of issuance, characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes, and prepayment speeds.
Note Receivable
The Company has elected to account for the Note Receivable described in Note 4 (Investments) under the fair value option. As a result, the embedded conversion feature, which would otherwise require bifurcation, is not accounted for separately. The fair value of the Note Receivable is determined under a market approach utilizing Level 3 inputs such as estimates of the equity value of the underlying business, volatility, and a probability-weighted expected time to exit.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis may include items such as property and equipment, net, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible 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.
v3.25.4
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of 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
Building
39 years
Equipment and vehicles
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
The Company’s property and equipment, net, were as follows:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Land$600 $600 
Building24,049 24,042 
Leasehold improvements425,580 332,312 
Equipment132,017 107,995 
Furniture and fixtures22,400 20,860 
Computer hardware and software63,818 54,217 
Construction in progress42,195 27,725 
Total property and equipment, gross710,659 567,751 
Less accumulated depreciation(253,158)(194,849)
Total property and equipment, net$457,501 $372,902 
v3.25.4
REVENUE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company’s revenue was as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Restaurant revenue$1,169,286 $954,273 $720,927 
CPG revenue and other10,378 9,440 7,773 
Revenue$1,179,664 $963,713 $728,700 
Schedule of Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable the CAVA Rewards and gift card liabilities, which are included in accrued expenses and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)
202520242023
CAVA Rewards and gift card liabilities, beginning balance$6,736 $4,096 $3,265 
Revenue deferred - gift card purchases and CAVA Rewards points earned16,790 14,767 11,620 
Revenue recognized - redemptions and breakage(16,751)(12,127)(10,789)
CAVA Rewards and gift cards liabilities, ending balance$6,775 $6,736 $4,096 
v3.25.4
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Investments in Fixed Income Debt Securities
The Company’s investments in fixed income debt securities were as follows:
December 28, 2025
(in thousands)Gross unrealized
Security Type CategoryAmortized CostGainsLossEstimated Fair Value
Asset backed$13,790 $18 $— $13,808 
Commercial deposits3,089 2 — 3,091 
Commercial paper2,306 1 — 2,307 
Corporate bonds64,423 96 — 64,519 
U.S. government bonds26,343 44 — 26,387 
Total$109,951 $161 $— $110,112 
Schedule of Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date
Investments in fixed income debt securities by contractual maturities were as follows:
December 28, 2025
(in thousands)Amortized CostEstimated Fair Value
Less than one year$84,263 $84,386 
1.0 to 2.0 years15,399 15,425 
2.0 to 3.0 years9,247 9,257 
More than 3.0 years1,042 1,044 
Total$109,951 $110,112 
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis
The fair value of the Company’s assets that are measured on a recurring basis was as follows:
(in thousands)December 28, 2025
Security Type CategoryLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Asset backed$— $13,808 $— $13,808 
Commercial deposits— 3,091 — 3,091 
Commercial paper— 2,307 — 2,307 
Corporate bonds— 64,519 — 64,519 
U.S. government bonds26,387 — — 26,387 
Fixed income debt securities$26,387 $83,725 $— $110,112 
Note Receivable$— $— $5,291 $5,291 
Schedule of Impairment and Asset Disposal Costs
The following table presents impairment charges by reportable segment and asset disposal costs recognized during the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Impairment charges
CAVA$1,253 $— $547 
Other— — 745 
Total impairment1,253 — 1,292 
Total asset disposal costs3,672 5,055 3,607 
Total impairment and asset disposal costs$4,925 $5,055 $4,899 
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of 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
Building
39 years
Equipment and vehicles
5-7 years
Furniture and fixtures
7 years
Computer hardware and software
3-5 years
The Company’s property and equipment, net, were as follows:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Land$600 $600 
Building24,049 24,042 
Leasehold improvements425,580 332,312 
Equipment132,017 107,995 
Furniture and fixtures22,400 20,860 
Computer hardware and software63,818 54,217 
Construction in progress42,195 27,725 
Total property and equipment, gross710,659 567,751 
Less accumulated depreciation(253,158)(194,849)
Total property and equipment, net$457,501 $372,902 
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities
The Company’s accrued expenses and other were as follows:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes$29,415 $30,272 
Accrued capital purchases9,509 7,514 
Sales and use tax payable4,524 4,024 
Gift card and loyalty liabilities6,775 6,736 
Other accrued expenses26,412 21,276 
Total accrued expenses and other$76,635 $69,822 
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Disaggregation of pre-tax income and provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
(in thousands)
202520242023
Income before taxes
U.S.$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
Total income before taxes$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Current tax expense
U.S. federal$20 $— $— 
U.S. state and local934 1,207 718 
Total954 1,207 718 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
U.S. federal 5,793 (56,021)20 
U.S. state and local309 (15,595)30 
Total deferred tax expense6,102 (71,616)50 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes$7,056 $(70,409)$768 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes for the reasons set forth below:
2025
(in thousands)$%
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate$14,868 21.0 %
Nontaxable and nondeductible items, net
Equity-based compensation(9,543)(13.5)%
Other744 1.1 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal effect1
987 1.4 %
Provision for income taxes$7,056 10.0 %
__________________
1    State taxes in California and Texas made up greater than 50% of the tax effect in this category.
As previously disclosed for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09, the effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate
$
12,581 
$
2,950 
State income tax expense
5,931 
996 
Decrease in valuation allowance
(83,662)
(4,699)
Deferred taxes
— 
1,032 
Equity-based compensation
(5,251)
(556)
Nondeductible executive compensation
227 
915 
Other permanent adjustments
(235)
130 
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
$
(70,409)
$
768 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities:
(in thousands)December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss$63,731 $52,797 
Operating lease liabilities120,373 97,358 
Equity-based compensation1,660 1,226 
Other5,368 5,705 
Net deferred tax assets191,132 157,086 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease assets(100,537)(82,737)
Property and equipment(25,202)(2,812)
Net deferred tax liabilities(125,739)(85,549)
Total net deferred tax assets$65,393 $71,537 
Schedule of Supplemental cash flow information related to leases
Income taxes paid (net of refunds) were as follows:
(in thousands)2025
California$942 
Massachusetts156
Texas310
Other264
Total U.S. state and local$1,672 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$64,842 $58,172 $48,739 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
108,467 66,820 43,985 
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment391 109 4,946 
v3.25.4
LEASES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of lease cost
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows as of the period indicated:
December 28,
2025		December 29,
2024
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)8.58.2
Weighted average discount rate6.63 %6.26 %
The components of lease cost were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)Classification202520242023
Operating lease cost1
Occupancy, General and administrative expenses$61,494 $52,573 $44,201 
Pre-opening lease costPre-opening costs6,591 3,867 4,296 
Closed restaurant lease cost
Other income, net, Restructuring and other costs
95 97 558 
Short-term lease cost
General and administrative expenses428 328 364 
Variable lease costOccupancy2,321 2,695 1,421 
Sublease incomeOther income, net(347)(470)(479)
Total lease cost$70,582 $59,090 $50,361 
__________________
1    Excludes $13.5 million, $10.6 million, and $9.4 million in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, relating to variable real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance costs.
Schedule of Supplemental cash flow information related to leases
Income taxes paid (net of refunds) were as follows:
(in thousands)2025
California$942 
Massachusetts156
Texas310
Other264
Total U.S. state and local$1,672 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$64,842 $58,172 $48,739 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
108,467 66,820 43,985 
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment391 109 4,946 
Schedule of Maturities of lease liabilities
Future minimum lease payments by fiscal year for operating leases consist of the following as of December 28, 2025:
(in thousands)Operating Leases
2026$77,297 
202779,551 
202875,063 
202970,856 
203067,107 
Thereafter255,004 
Total624,878 
Less: imputed interest158,630 
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current)$466,248 
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
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 29, 20242,264 $13.96 6.9$227,328 
Granted107 95.03 
Exercised(311)6.19 
Forfeited or expired(83)28.48 
Outstanding - December 28, 20251,977 $18.96 6.4$84,660 
Exercisable - December 28, 20251,139 $12.70 5.6
Vested and expected to vest - December 28, 20251,977 $18.96 6.4$84,660 
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:
202520242023
Expected term (in years)1
6.26.36.4
Volatility2
49.2%46.7%46.0%
Risk-free interest rate4.1%4.1%3.8%
Dividend rate—%—%—%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$50.14$24.47$9.98
__________________
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.
Schedule of 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 29, 20241,636 $14.79 $187,109 
Granted154 91.50 
Vested(667)12.74 
Forfeited(152)23.36 
Non-vested - December 28, 2025971 $27.01 $58,406 
v3.25.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)202520242023
Net income$63,743 $130,319 $13,280 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
115,804 114,292 60,512 
Dilutive awards2,474 3,981 2,936 
Diluted118,278 118,273 63,448 
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.55 $1.14 $0.22 
Diluted$0.54 $1.10 $0.21 
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 per share as the impact would have been anti-dilutive for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
Stock options85 1 — 
Restricted stock units104 1 — 
Total common stock equivalents189 2 — 
v3.25.4
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The following table presents financial information about the Company’s reportable segment and includes reconciliations of reportable segment revenue to consolidated revenue and reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before taxes for the fiscal years indicated:
(in thousands)202520242023
CAVA Revenue$1,169,286 $954,273 $717,060 
Reconciliation of reportable segment revenue to consolidated revenue:
Other revenue1
10,378 9,440 11,640 
Total consolidated revenue$1,179,664 $963,713 $728,700 
Significant CAVA segment expenses
Food, beverage, and packaging$348,684 $279,741 $208,237 
Labor301,861 247,490 185,820 
Occupancy83,576 69,851 57,811 
Other operating expenses2
150,121 119,078 87,704 
Total CAVA segment expenses884,242 716,160 539,572 
CAVA restaurant-level profit285,044 238,113 177,488 
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before income taxes:
Other non-reportable segment profit1
(5,423)(3,692)(2,858)
General and administrative expenses137,462 120,500 101,491 
Depreciation and amortization73,661 60,355 47,433 
Restructuring and other costs— 580 6,080 
Pre-opening costs19,134 12,197 15,718 
Impairment and asset disposal costs4,925 5,055 4,899 
Interest income, net(15,045)(16,474)(8,852)
Other income, net(469)(318)(471)
Income before taxes$70,799 $59,910 $14,048 
__________________
1    In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, Other revenue and Other non-reportable segment profit include activity from the Company’s CAVA Foods operating segment. In fiscal 2023, Other revenue consists of $7.8 million from CAVA Foods and $3.9 million from the closed Zoes Kitchen operating segment. Other non-reportable segment profit in fiscal 2023 consists of $3.0 million from CAVA Foods and a $0.2 million loss from Zoes Kitchen.
2    Other operating expenses includes all other restaurant-level operating expenses, such as kitchen supplies, utilities, repairs and maintenance, travel costs, credit card and bank fees, recruiting, third-party delivery service fees, and marketing expenses.
v3.25.4
NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details)
Dec. 28, 2025
restaurant
state
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of restaurants | restaurant 439
Number of states in which entity operates | state 28
v3.25.4
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 29, 2024
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 25, 2022
shares
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Underwriting discounts and commissions       $ 22,800  
Offering expenses   $ 0 $ 0 5,384  
Proceeds from IPO   $ 0 $ 0 $ 342,604  
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares) | shares 95,200,000     95,204,000  
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001        
Conversion ratio 1        
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares   0 0 0 95,204,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 100 $ 100    
Operating lease, term (in years)   10 years      
Operating lease, option to extend term (in years)   5 years      
Goodwill   $ 1,944 1,944    
Intangible assets, net   $ 1,779 1,355    
Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]   Intangible assets, net   Intangible assets, net  
Impairment, long-lived asset   $ 1,300   $ 1,300  
Expiration period for inactive account   180 days      
Expiration period for converted points   60 days      
Marketing and advertising expense   $ 14,400 8,800 6,100  
License          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life   2 years      
Trademarks          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Intangible assets, net   $ 800      
Other Intangible Assets          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Intangible assets, net   600      
Construction and Technology Activities          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, additions   $ 9,000 $ 6,000 $ 5,600  
Series A Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001        
Series B Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001        
Series C Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001        
Series D Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001        
Series E Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares 0.0001        
Series F Preferred Stock          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.0001        
IPO          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) | shares 16,600,000        
Sale of stock (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 22.00        
Underwriting discounts and commissions $ 22,800        
Offering expenses 6,500        
Proceeds from IPO $ 336,100        
Over-Allotment Option          
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) | shares 2,200,000        
v3.25.4
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Schedule of Useful Life (Details)
Dec. 28, 2025
Building  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 39 years
Equipment and vehicles | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Useful life 5 years
Equipment and vehicles | 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
v3.25.4
REVENUE - Schedule of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 1,179,664 $ 963,713 $ 728,700
Restaurant revenue      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue 1,169,286 954,273 720,927
CPG revenue and other      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 10,378 $ 9,440 $ 7,773
v3.25.4
REVENUE - Rewards Liability (Details) - Rewards - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Movement In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]      
CAVA Rewards and gift card liabilities, beginning balance $ 6,736 $ 4,096 $ 3,265
Revenue deferred - gift card purchases and CAVA Rewards points earned 16,790 14,767 11,620
Revenue recognized - redemptions and breakage (16,751) (12,127) (10,789)
CAVA Rewards and gift cards liabilities, ending balance $ 6,775 $ 6,736 $ 4,096
v3.25.4
INVESTMENTS - Investments in Fixed Income Securities (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost $ 109,951
Gains 161
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value 110,112
Asset backed  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost 13,790
Gains 18
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value 13,808
Commercial deposits  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost 3,089
Gains 2
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value 3,091
Commercial paper  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost 2,306
Gains 1
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value 2,307
Corporate bonds  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost 64,423
Gains 96
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value 64,519
U.S. government bonds  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Amortized Cost 26,343
Gains 44
Loss 0
Estimated Fair Value $ 26,387
v3.25.4
INVESTMENTS - Contractual Maturities (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Amortized Cost  
Less than one year $ 84,263
1.0 to 2.0 years 15,399
2.0 to 3.0 years 9,247
More than 3.0 years 1,042
Total 109,951
Estimated Fair Value  
Less than one year 84,386
1.0 to 2.0 years 15,425
2.0 to 3.0 years 9,257
More than 3.0 years 1,044
Estimated Fair Value $ 110,112
v3.25.4
INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 13, 2025
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]        
Investment in convertible promissory note $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 0 $ 0
Note Receivable   5,291    
Scenario, Plan        
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]        
Investment in convertible promissory note   $ 5,000    
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE - Schedule of Recurring Assets (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities $ 110,112
Note Receivable 5,291
Asset backed  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 13,808
Commercial deposits  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 3,091
Commercial paper  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 2,307
Corporate bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 64,519
U.S. government bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 26,387
Level 1  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 26,387
Note Receivable 0
Level 1 | Asset backed  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 1 | Commercial deposits  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 1 | Commercial paper  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 1 | Corporate bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 1 | U.S. government bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 26,387
Level 2  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 83,725
Note Receivable 0
Level 2 | Asset backed  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 13,808
Level 2 | Commercial deposits  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 3,091
Level 2 | Commercial paper  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 2,307
Level 2 | Corporate bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 64,519
Level 2 | U.S. government bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 3  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Note Receivable 5,291
Level 3 | Asset backed  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 3 | Commercial deposits  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 3 | Commercial paper  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 3 | Corporate bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities 0
Level 3 | U.S. government bonds  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Fixed income debt securities $ 0
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE - Schedule of Impairment Charges by Reportable Segment and Asset Disposal Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total impairment $ 1,253 $ 0 $ 1,292
Total asset disposal costs 3,672 5,055 3,607
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,925 5,055 4,899
CAVA      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total impairment 1,253 0 547
Other      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 745
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 710,659 $ 567,751
Less accumulated depreciation (253,158) (194,849)
Total property and equipment, net 457,501 372,902
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 600 600
Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 24,049 24,042
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 425,580 332,312
Equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 132,017 107,995
Furniture and fixtures    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 22,400 20,860
Computer hardware and software    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross 63,818 54,217
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 42,195 $ 27,725
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
lease
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of favorable lease assets 3
v3.25.4
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes $ 29,415 $ 30,272
Accrued capital purchases 9,509 7,514
Sales and use tax payable 4,524 4,024
Gift card and loyalty liabilities 6,775 6,736
Other accrued expenses 26,412 21,276
Total accrued expenses and other $ 76,635 $ 69,822
v3.25.4
DEBT (Details) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Jul. 06, 2023
May 31, 2023
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Feb. 15, 2023
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity     $ 74,100,000    
Debt instrument term (in years)     5 years    
Unamortized loan origination fees     $ 300,000    
Borrowings outstanding     $ 0 $ 0  
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Minimum          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Basis spread (in percentage)     1.50%    
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Maximum          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Basis spread (in percentage)     2.50%    
Secured Debt | Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity         $ 30,000,000.0
Amount borrowed on line of credit   $ 6,000,000.0      
Repayments of line of credit $ 6,000,000.0        
Letter of Credit          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Aggregate amount of letters of credit     $ 900,000 $ 700,000  
Revolving Credit Facility | Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity     $ 25,000,000.0    
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 28, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Release of valuation allowance against DTAs $ 83.7  
State income tax expense $ 3.6  
Federal net operating loss carryforwards   $ 270.5
Domestic net operating loss carryforwards   $ 142.9
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income before taxes      
U.S. $ 70,799 $ 59,910 $ 14,048
Income before taxes 70,799 59,910 14,048
Current:      
U.S. federal 20 0 0
U.S. state and local 934 1,207 718
Total 954 1,207 718
Deferred tax expense (benefit)      
U.S. federal 5,793 (56,021) 20
U.S. state and local 309 (15,595) 30
Total deferred tax expense 6,102 (71,616) 50
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ 7,056 $ (70,409) $ 768
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
$      
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate $ 14,868 $ 12,581 $ 2,950
Nontaxable and nondeductible items, net      
Equity-based compensation (9,543) (5,251) (556)
Other 744 (235) 130
State income tax expense 987 5,931 996
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ 7,056 $ (70,409) $ 768
%      
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate 21.00%    
Nontaxable and nondeductible items, net      
Equity-based compensation (13.50%)    
Other 1.10%    
Domestic state and local income taxes, net of federal effect 1.40%    
Provision for income taxes 10.00%    
v3.25.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate $ 14,868 $ 12,581 $ 2,950
State income tax expense 987 5,931 996
Decrease in valuation allowance   (83,662) (4,699)
Deferred taxes   0 1,032
Equity-based compensation (9,543) (5,251) (556)
Nondeductible executive compensation   227 915
Other 744 (235) 130
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ 7,056 $ (70,409) $ 768
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Deferred tax assets:    
Net operating loss $ 63,731 $ 52,797
Operating lease liabilities 120,373 97,358
Equity-based compensation 1,660 1,226
Other 5,368 5,705
Net deferred tax assets 191,132 157,086
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Operating lease assets (100,537) (82,737)
Property and equipment (25,202) (2,812)
Net deferred tax liabilities (125,739) (85,549)
Total net deferred tax assets $ 65,393 $ 71,537
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES - Income Taxes Paid By Jurisdiction (Details)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Total U.S. state and local $ 1,672
California  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Total U.S. state and local 942
Massachusetts  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Total U.S. state and local 156
Texas  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Total U.S. state and local 310
Other  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]  
Total U.S. state and local $ 264
v3.25.4
LEASES - Schedule of Lease Term and Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]      
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) 8 years 6 months 8 years 2 months 12 days  
Weighted average discount rate 6.63% 6.26%  
Lease, Cost [Abstract]      
Operating lease cost $ 61,494 $ 52,573 $ 44,201
Pre-opening lease cost 6,591 3,867 4,296
Closed restaurant lease cost 95 97 558
Short-term lease cost 428 328 364
Variable lease cost 2,321 2,695 1,421
Sublease income (347) (470) (479)
Total lease cost 70,582 59,090 50,361
Variable real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance costs $ 13,500 $ 10,600 $ 9,400
v3.25.4
LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]      
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 64,842 $ 58,172 $ 48,739
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 108,467 66,820 43,985
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment $ 391 $ 109 $ 4,946
v3.25.4
LEASES - Schedule of Maturity (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2026 $ 77,297
2027 79,551
2028 75,063
2029 70,856
2030 67,107
Thereafter 255,004
Total 624,878
Less: imputed interest 158,630
Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current) $ 466,248
v3.25.4
LEASES - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
Lease payments for leases not yet commenced $ 146.5
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 28, 2025
USD ($)
letterOfCredit
Dec. 29, 2024
USD ($)
letterOfCredit
Other Commitments [Line Items]    
Number of irrevocable letters of credit | letterOfCredit 6 4
Letter of Credit    
Other Commitments [Line Items]    
Aggregate amount of letters of credit | $ $ 0.9 $ 0.7
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2024
Jun. 20, 2023
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Options granted to CEO (in shares)     107,000    
Intrinsic value of options exercised     $ 25.1 $ 99.3 $ 1.1
Employee stock purchase plan, offering period   6 months      
Stock issued during period, shares, employee stock purchase plans (less than) (in shares)     100,000    
Stock options          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Option term (in years)     10 years    
Weighted-average, vesting period (in years)     4 years    
Unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards     $ 9.0    
Vesting period (in years)     2 years 6 months    
Stock options | Chief Executive Officer          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Weighted-average, 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]          
Weighted-average, vesting period (in years)     4 years    
Vesting period (in years)     2 years 4 months 24 days    
Granted (in shares)     154,000    
Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs     $ 18.8    
Granted, Weighted average grant date fair value (in $ per share)     $ 91.50 $ 63.24 $ 17.52
Fair value of shares earned     $ 68.0 $ 64.8 $ 8.5
Restricted stock units | Chief Executive Officer          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Weighted-average, vesting period (in years)   5 years      
Granted (in shares)   300,000      
2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Percent of outstanding shares   1.00%      
Employee Stock          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Purchase price of common stock (in percent)   85.00%      
2023 Equity Incentive Plan          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Percent of outstanding shares   1.00%      
2023 Equity Incentive Plan          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Number of shares authorized (in shares)   9,400,000 8,400,000    
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares) 1,200,000        
2015 And 2023 Equity Incentive Plan          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Compensation expense     $ 18.1 $ 17.1 $ 9.6
Employee Stock Purchase Plan          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]          
Number of shares authorized (in shares)   1,800,000 1,600,000    
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Number Of Options    
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) 2,264,000  
Granted (in shares) 107,000  
Exercised (in shares) (311,000)  
Forfeited or expired (in shares) (83,000)  
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) 1,977,000 2,264,000
Exercise Price    
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Beginning Balance (in $ per share) $ 13.96  
Options granted, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 95.03  
Options exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 6.19  
Options forfeited or expired, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) 28.48  
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Ending Balance (in $ per share) $ 18.96 $ 13.96
Stock Options Additional Disclosures    
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 6 years 4 months 24 days 6 years 10 months 24 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value (usd per share) $ 84,660 $ 227,328
Options exercisable, Number of options (in shares) 1,139,000  
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price per share (usd per share) $ 12.70  
Options exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 5 years 7 months 6 days  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]    
Options vested and expected to vest (in shares) 1,977,000  
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share) $ 18.96  
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 6 years 4 months 24 days  
Options vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value (in $ per share) $ 84,660  
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Expected term (in years) 6 years 2 months 12 days 6 years 3 months 18 days 6 years 4 months 24 days
Volatility 49.20% 46.70% 46.00%
Risk-free interest rate 4.10% 4.10% 3.80%
Dividend rate 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share (in $ per share) $ 50.14 $ 24.47 $ 9.98
v3.25.4
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Restricted Stock (Details) - Restricted stock units - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Unvested Restricted Stock Outstanding      
Beginning balance (in shares) 1,636,000    
Granted (in shares) 154,000    
Vested (in shares) (667,000)    
Forfeited (in shares) (152,000)    
Ending balance (in shares) 971,000 1,636,000  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value      
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning Balance (in $ per share) $ 14.79    
Granted, Weighted average grant date fair value (in $ per share) 91.50 $ 63.24 $ 17.52
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value (in $ per share) 12.74    
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value (in $ per share) 23.36    
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending Balance (in $ per share) $ 27.01 $ 14.79  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 58,406 $ 187,109  
v3.25.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net income $ 63,743 $ 130,319 $ 13,280
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:      
Basic 115,804 114,292 60,512
Dilutive awards 2,474 3,981 2,936
Diluted 118,278 118,273 63,448
Earnings per share:      
Basic (in usd per share) $ 0.55 $ 1.14 $ 0.22
Diluted (in usd per share) $ 0.54 $ 1.10 $ 0.21
v3.25.4
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule of Antidilutive Shares (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 189 2 0
Stock options      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 85 1 0
Restricted stock units      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Total common stock equivalents (in shares) 104 1 0
v3.25.4
SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
segment
Oct. 20, 2023
restaurant
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
Number of operating segments 2  
Number of reportable segments 1  
Number of conversion restaurants opened | restaurant   153
v3.25.4
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable segments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2025
Dec. 29, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total reportable segment revenue $ 1,179,664 $ 963,713 $ 728,700
Food, beverage, and packaging 352,778 284,743 213,458
Labor 301,861 247,490 187,326
Occupancy 83,576 69,851 58,319
Other operating expenses 150,982 119,824 89,251
Total CAVA segment expenses 889,197 721,908 548,354
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before income taxes:      
Other non-reportable segment loss (profit) (5,423) (3,692) (2,858)
General and administrative expenses 137,462 120,500 101,491
Depreciation and amortization 73,661 60,355 47,433
Restructuring and other costs 0 580 6,080
Pre-opening costs 19,134 12,197 15,718
Impairment and asset disposal costs 4,925 5,055 4,899
Interest income, net (15,045) (16,474) (8,852)
Other income, net (469) (318) (471)
Income before taxes 70,799 59,910 14,048
Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total reportable segment revenue 10,378 9,440 11,640
CAVA Revenue | Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total reportable segment revenue 1,169,286 954,273 717,060
Food, beverage, and packaging 348,684 279,741 208,237
Labor 301,861 247,490 185,820
Occupancy 83,576 69,851 57,811
Other operating expenses 150,121 119,078 87,704
Total CAVA segment expenses 884,242 716,160 539,572
Total reportable segment restaurant-level profit $ 285,044 $ 238,113 177,488
CAVA Foods | Segment Reporting, Reported as if Old Segmentation Basis, Old Basis      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total reportable segment revenue     7,800
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before income taxes:      
Other non-reportable segment loss (profit)     (3,000)
Zoes Kitchen | Segment Reporting, Reported as if Old Segmentation Basis, Old Basis      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Total reportable segment revenue     3,900
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before income taxes:      
Other non-reportable segment loss (profit)     $ 200
v3.25.4
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - Subsequent Event
$ in Thousands
Feb. 02, 2026
USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]  
Purchase of equity securities $ 5,000
Convertible Promissory Note  
Subsequent Event [Line Items]  
Payments to acquire equity method investment, payment due, term 30 days