CAVA — Restaurant in Atlanta

I hate that I'm writing something negative about CAVA. Mainly because this is one of my FAVORITE places to eat in Atlanta. This location has definitely taken a nosedive in a negative direction. The lobby has been dirty the past few times I've been there, meaning the tables weren't wiped down. The cooler was broken that houses the alternative drinks and other snacks. And not only was the cooler broken, it was dirty as well... That places doubts in my mind about the cleanliness in the kitchen... But my biggest issue was I went in with my two daughters. Per usual there is a line in CAVA, so when it came our turn, as usual I ALWAYS warmly greet the line worker, say hello and ask how they are doing. I'm always polite to people who handle my food. I greeted the young man who was in process of preparing our food. He immediately snickers and begins rolling his eyes at me and my daughter. He turns his back and I heard him mumble under his breath, and as he's scooping the rice into our 'Greens and Grains' I noticed he put less than half a scoop of rice into our bowls. I asked him if he was OK and he said when I walked up, that I yelled at him. I'm immediately puzzled and chuckled out of confusion, because I'm certain that I did not yell at him. So I ask him is he serious, because when I walked up I said 'Hello, how are you doing today'? I was warm in my greeting because I'm happy I'm getting some of my favorite food. But he proceeds to tell me that he talks to hundreds of people a day and he's offended by the way I greeted him. At this point I'm looking around thinking someone like Ashton Kutcher is going to jump out and tell me I'm being punked. He proceeds to look me up and down while rolling his eyes. At this point I knew my food was going to be compromised and not made with the standard quality. Keep in mind that my bowl alone is around $22 due to me getting a Greens and Grains bowl with double meat: Lamb meatballs and braised lamb. So for my daughter and I's food, that's around $50 for two bowls and drinks... I was embarrassed at the interaction because I was completely thrown off and even the other customers in line were puzzled at what he said and did. In order to save face, I just turned around and walked out. I tried calling the location on multiple occasions, but no one ever answers the phone. I chose against staying and asking for a manager because I was on the verge of tears and upset at that point. So other than the dirty tables, dirty lobby, broken gross cooler that customers see first before seeing their food and the noticeably smaller meatballs, I'll more than likely refrain from returning to this location. I'll continue to go to Buckhead where the service is amazing and the staff are warm and the lobby is kept clean. I'm not spending almost $30 for one person to eat to be greeted with nastiness and...

This is my second visit this week because the food is good.

Unfortunately, the service is not the best. I don’t believe it’s a short staff issue. I believe whomever is the manager doesn’t know how to run operations to get food out and costumers served. I have a North Carolina food handlers certification and worked at some restaurants.

Every time I come here there is some sort of confusion..

1st time the male employee informed me I had to pay cash only. He instructed me to walk to the chase bank down the street. I walked all the way to the bank to come back just to get to the register and him tell me I can do Apple Pay. I count this as two visits.

Also, once again w I got in there the line moved slow and staff was not thrilled to serve the costumers. I expected a greeting and energy better than Blaze pizza employees when you walk into their establishment.

2nd visit which was today. There was plenty of staff but somehow once again when I get close to check out they disappear on the line. I did inform who I assume was a shift leader because no way she was a manager that this is a pattern that your servers aren’t pleased to serve me or walk off. I did have to wait for chicken so I’ll scratch that as it was a wait.

The shift leader had no issues grilling the other staff about portion size but when it came to jumping on the line there was plenty hesitation for me. Fortunately, when I feel some sort of discrimination or ill feeling I speak up. Which she sped up the process once I informed her of this pattern. I’ve had a big chain reach out to me about my review so I assume they do read these and look at the cameras.

Once again! I love the food and don’t want to deture anyone from trying CAVA! I will be back to another location.

I attached a picture but not super professional because we know what cava looks like 😁 it’s truly delicious!

Also, I believe we receive free pita or chips. She had me pay full...

I was fasting all day and stopped at Cava to break my fast. It was busy, and I usually get honey harissa, but this time I wanted to try the lamb meatballs , I ordered half honey harissa chicken and half spicy meatball. The woman taking my order(brown skin lady with hijab) didn’t mention anything. When I got to the register, another worker (darkskin lady with the hijab)asked if my order was lamb—I said it was half chicken, half meatball. After paying, I noticed I was charged extra.

I thought it was a mistake, but the cashier insisted I got a full lamb order. When I explained it was half and half, she handed me a blank receipt and said I had four meatballs, so I had to be charged extra( the lady who to my order stayed silent). I reiterated my order, but she just stared at me before putting her hands out, expecting me to hand the bag back. She called another worker, who confirmed there were four meatballs but said he couldn’t refund me—only offer free extras, even though I already paid for pita chips and a drink. I told him I shouldn’t have been charged extra at all. He kept repeating, “I understand, but what do you want me to do?”no orher alternative options where given to me.. I had to ask for a credit for next time, which is ridiculous.

I understand they were fasting and tired, but so was I, and the way I was handled was unacceptable. 1st and foremost how am I to know how many meat balls I’m supposed to ask for ?? I asked for half and half. To top it off, when I opened my bowl, the "extra" meatballs were tiny—not even the correct size (I looked up the cava meatballs and these aren’t even close to the correct size,. So I shouldn’t have been charged to begin with. I usually don’t even do reviews but this experience was Horrible...