Popular Cava Restaurant Chain Opening in Brickell

Cava is keeping the momentum going in South Florida. Hot off the heels of its Hialeah Gardens debut, the buzzy build-your-own bowl chain is now bringing its Mediterranean fare to Brickell. According to a recent report, the new outpost is set to open later this year at 801 Brickell Ave., a high-profile spot already home to Komodo, Ludlow Coffee, and a forthcoming PopUp Bagels spot.

The announcement comes just days after Cava's opening in Hialeah and weeks after readers were fired up about Cava's plans for a 2025 opening in Plantation — but it seems that Miami beat Broward to the punch. At the Cava opening in Hialeah on April 8, Cava mega fans like South Florida blogger @notcamilacevedo took to TikTok to express their excitement over the Hialeah location. She says in a TikTok video, "Not only are they the best Mediterranean restaurant, but they're also the best [make your own] bowl place ever. With the nicest locations and staff, it's about time they opened in Miami."

@notcamilacevedo @CAVA has finally made it to Miami! 🙈🤩 #fyp #miami #cava #food #hialeah ♬ original sound - officialmooli

How the Cava Hype Began

Back in September 2024, New Times picked up on early signs of a Miami arrival when food influencer Nick Peña (@thefoode) posted a sneak peek at a floor plan showing Cava among the tenants at the Shoppes at Highland.

Though unconfirmed at the time, further digging led to a commercial listing by Atlantic Retail, which indicated Cava was indeed on deck for Hialeah Gardens, pending permits and final approvals. Those boxes are now checked, and the new space is officially serving as of this week.

What’s the Big Deal About Cava?

For those unfamiliar with the chain, Cava was founded in 2011 and quickly gained a following for its fast-casual take on Greek- and Middle Eastern-inspired eats. Dubbed the “Chipotle of Mediterranean food — only better,” guests can build their own bowls, salads, or pitas layered with proteins like grilled chicken, falafel, or spicy lamb meatballs, plus grains, greens, roasted vegetables, and a selection of bold dips and dressings — think creamy hummus, zesty harissa, and tangy yogurt-based sauces.

That formula has fueled the brand's rapid growth across the U.S., with dozens of new locations popping up.

According to Cava, the restaurant chain aims to operate 1,000 restaurants by 2032 — and it opened a whopping 58 new restaurants in 2024. Hialeah Gardens was the first location in Miami-Dade, and with Brickell and Plantation coming soon, it won't be long before more neighborhoods across South Florida get a taste.

Cava Brickell. Opening in Brickell in fall 2025; cava.com.