US-based Mediterranean fast-casual dining brand CAVA Group has reported 28.2% growth in revenue for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, reaching $328.5m, compared to $256.3m in the same period of 2024.
This growth is attributed to the opening of 73 new CAVA restaurants, which have surpassed performance expectations, and a 10.8% increase in same-restaurant sales.
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The company’s expansion strategy has resulted in 382 CAVA restaurant openings, an 18.3% year-on-year increase.
CAVA’s net income reached $25.7m compared to $14m in the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) of $44.9m, up from $33.3m.
The same-restaurant sales growth includes a 7.5% rise in guest traffic and a 3.3% uplift from menu pricing and product mix adjustments.
Restaurant-level profit has also seen a significant rise, with a 27.4% increase to $82.3m and a profit margin of 25.1%.
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By GlobalDataDigital revenue continues to be a strong component of CAVA’s business model, accounting for 38% of the total revenue mix.
The company’s operational activities generated $38.6m in net cash, with a free cash flow of $2.7m.
CAVA co-founder and CEO Brett Schulman stated: “In spite of economic uncertainty and challenging weather, CAVA’s first quarter results demonstrate the continued strength of our category-defining brand. First quarter same restaurant sales grew 10.8%, including traffic growth of 7.5%. We opened 15 net new restaurants during the quarter and with our entry into Indiana we are now in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
“In addition to these highlights, I’m proud to say that on a trailing twelve-month basis, we have now surpassed a billion dollars in revenue – a milestone that is a testament to Mediterranean becoming the next large-scale cultural cuisine category, a category we have firmly established our leadership in.”
In April 2025, CAVA expanded its geographical footprint by launching its first restaurant in the southern state of Florida.
