CAVA — Restaurant in Birmingham

Well, let me just say we’ve been hooked on this place lately after our first time trying a few weeks back. Particularly tonight, something happened where my online order didn’t transmit into the restaurant. We’d been out shopping for items for Thanksgiving dinner so I was starving to say the least. When I got there, the Manager on duty (Shug) let us know that the order hadn’t been received on their end and closing time was approaching so they were out of a lot of things. Instead of turning my husband around, she was empathetic & apologetic but also let us know they’d make it right on the next visit and in the meantime let’s still try to make it right tonight and see what they could make happen with a similar order so that I wouldn’t go home hungry or forced to find another option late at night! Not only did her and the entire staff tonight (BHM - Hwy 280 location) go above & beyond to take ownership of a situation that they didn’t even cause, they did it gracefully and with so much kindness & joy! We are stunned by their exceptional service because these days that’s unfortunately rare! But we are most grateful and can’t wait to return over and over again! Top tier customer service!!!! MANY THANKS Shug, JV, Destini, Ms. Niecey & Ty! Please be sure to acknowledge them, give them their flowers and maybe even a raise while you’re at...

We love the food on the occasion that it comes out right. Good help must be hard to find because service is lacking. Here are some select notes from our recent visits: • Waited 10-15 minutes to be greeted at window • Call in order wasn't ready for appx. 40 minutes after pickup time with no other customers. • Cold food • Wrong ingredients / multiple missing • Asked by 4 diff staff who we were • Cold tasteless soup juice in bowl • Rude attendant • Attendant digging in hair and neck with food gloves • Meatballs we're all broke apart • Drink missing then mistakenly given small • Watched staff walking around restaurant with my bowl - making me feel sus about why they need to walk around with it multiple times

...and the absolute worst part is nothing on the list; rather the apathy of staff to resolve issues or make it right. If the order is wrong or stuff is missing or if there was a long wait, they should just smile and apologize and throw in a large drink or extra item or coupon or something similar. Just care. I will come back in a year to see if they were able to fix their staffing issues. One guy is nice and friendly and makes sure everything is right, but we only see him sometimes....

I visit Cava on 280 (Brook Highland) at least twice a week. I love the variety of the menu, the options are healthy, menu items are reasonably priced and the food is flavorful. That in itself is why I love Cava but I have to give a special shout-out and recognition to Emily and K for being rockstars this evening. As I was wrapping up my order at almost closing time, I noticed that they’d run out of the olives, which is one of my favorite toppings. I made a sad face and said, “Ah bummer, I was looking forward to the olives.” K and Emily jumped into action and pulled some from the back. Not only that, it was service with a smile. Most places will hurry you along at closing time but they took great care of me and made sure my meal was to my satisfaction. I ordered the Greek Salad and it was delicious as always but I’d like to thank the staff for being a bright spot in my day. It’s truly the little things that matter, so thank you Cava staff for the...