CAVA — Restaurant in Ballenger Creek

I ordered for Drive Through pickup today. I probably should have just walked in to order. They put very little greens in the bowl, less than usual when I order in person. I selected two servings of olives, received one. I received 4 beef meatballs, maybe that is the correct amount, I thought 5 was? I requested two containers of salad dressing. Both containers were less than 1/3 full. Combined they were less than I usually receive in person. About 10 minutes after I left I found a small bag with someone's order of pita chips, their name was on the receipt inside the bag.

I have been here many times since they opened. I had stopped coming as often because the staff was struggling to: keep the location clean, change gloves between non food and food related activities, smile, communicate well with customers or between themselves.

Hopefully as things open back up, they prioritize the cleanliness and food handling guidelines.

From a year ago: Their first day open and the staff is as efficient as any other Cava I have visited. Though polite and efficient, they lack some personal touches like smiling and thanking customers. While replenishing some proteins, Kyle did smile and say hello to customers across from him.

The food is on point. Everything I expected. I enjoyed my meal using the outside seating area.

The majority of seating is upstairs, not sure if they have an elevator for handicapped patrons?

The drive thru appeared to be moving customers along...

Edit 4/10/2024: I went back to the store today for a test. I bought the exact identical meal twice - one online for pickup, and one while standing in store. Here are the results. The online order weighed in at 1 lb, 2 oz, while the in store order weighed 1 lb, 10 oz. This means that when you order online, you get 33% less food. An entire half a pound less than the in-store order. This is absolutely unacceptable when I paid the same (not cheap) amount. Warning to others. I do not experience this much of a disparity at other locations, however the Frederick location will take advantage of you if you order online. I expected these test results, but am extremely disappointed.

The actual food is fine but I’ve had a handful of experiences where this location forgot something in my Togo bag- though, they have always made that right. The real issue I have with this location is that when you order online, there is a noticeable difference in the size of the meal they make for you versus if you have them make it right in front of you. It’s clear that they are shorting you on portions when you order online. This has always left a poor taste in my mouth as a consumer spending my money on their not inexpensive meals. I only experience this at this...

I love the food, it is always fresh & the employees are nice. I like the options and atmosphere and is a healthier option than other “fast food” selections. The only problem I have is if I order for pick up or delivery. The bowl is always 1/3 of what I would get had I stood there and gotten my food in line. (I don't get extra anything I just let them do their thing) and it’s Every. Single. Time. Greens and grains is my go to and I will have 4 leaves of green, half a scoops of rice, 4 pieces of corn and like 2 pickled onions (or any other topping combination I request). But I am charged the same price. That’s robbery. Are they told to do that on purpose? After spending 70.00 (a family order),& going to pick it up, after getting home, we all open our bowls to disappointment. I THEN had to drive to the store to get arugula just so we weren’t eating these pitiful bowls with literally no greens among the 5 of us. The toppings were another matter :( No one should have to do that and shame on them. Once, maybe twice I can see- new person, super busy, maybe even mixed my order with someone else’s or whatever humanly possible excuse I can come up with to give them the benefit of the doubt- but…. I eat Cava more than I like to admit and there is a...