CAVA — Restaurant in Bowie

Finally! A CAVA that understands the assignment.

Read my previous review for my WORST CAVA experience to date (at the Laurel location) - I still have bad memories. However, I have been to this new location three times now, and each time has gotten better. Zachary helped me the last time, which is why I am writing this review. He is like manager-level quality on customer service, even though he is a regular team member. All the other people who helped me previously were also great, but I want to pay specific attention to Zach.

Firstly, he greeted me! You would think this is normal behavior, but apparently not at the Laurel location! Then after I told him the bowl I wanted to order, he added very generous portions of the veggies as well as the lentils and the grain. The thing he did that was top-notch was that he distributed the rice and lentils so evenly, I believe every forkful of my meal had a bit of everything. Bruh was very good at his job while being casual. When it came time to the protein, HE ACTUALLY PUT TWO SCOOPS OF PROTEIN as intended, WITHOUT shaking all the protein out (ahem - other locations should take note). It's like the other locations missed out on that critical day of training for scooping proteins for people. Zach also fulfilled the toppings as requested and asked if I wanted 1 or 2 sauce cups. Bruh what? Who are you, and how can we CLONE YOU?!

My favorite part was that the manager and everyone else were just so casual with it because excellent customer service is NORMAL for them. Y'all are NOT about to take all my money, although you are a top contender right now with this level of service.

The meal was an ACTUAL MEAL, which is more than I can say for some other locations which shall remain unnamed.

Thanks...

I've been a loyal fan of Cava for the past five years, ever since I used to frequent the Cava in Columbia, MD near my workplace for lunch almost every day. I always felt welcomed and enjoyed my experiences there. Naturally, when I heard that a Cava was opening in Bowie, MD, just around the corner from my house, I was thrilled. However, my excitement was short-lived. From my very first visit to the Cava in Bowie, I've encountered the same unfriendly behavior from a particular light-skin male employee with a bald head, who seems to be the manager. His unwelcoming demeanor has consistently marred my perception of Cava. Whether it's his habit of adding items to my bowl without my request or his aggressive body language, the experience has been unpleasant each time I've visited. Last night's encounter was particularly egregious, and it has reached a point where I can no longer overlook it. Regrettably, I've made the decision not to return to this Cava location. It's disheartening to have such a negative experience with a brand I've admired...

I usually don’t write reviews since I never really felt compelled to any other time. But today was different. I work in food service myself as a supervisor and I always like to show kindness and understanding to others while I’m not working because these positions are not for the weak. However, this current crew although just the FOH servers, I think should receive up-to-date training on customer service. I was greeted by someone who seemed to have an attitude about me simply ordering a chicken and rice bowl. I paid for my root beer and bowl and the same person who seemed upset about doing their job and making my bowl just left the bowl right next to the bag without bagging it and handing it to me. It was behind the register on the counter. I grabbed my stuff and simply left shaking my head. I also feel that this is a safety concern for the employees for a customer to have to reach behind the counter. I could be a threat to the store and you also wouldn’t know. I wish this crew luck and the best...