CAVA — Restaurant in Brookhaven

This was the worst experience I have ever had at a Cava location! And I love this place!!!

You know when you get a funny feeling before you ever enter! I wondered why the parking lot was empty yet Grub across the parking lot was packed! As I entered an employee came from the tables and immediately grabbed gloves! No hand washing! That should have been my first clue. Then I was admonished for getting 4 bowls in person instead of online. Realizing this I stepped aside and let the guy entering order first. Then the person cleaning the front area went to the register and holler for my order before he had filled two of the bases. The falafel was out, the chopped meats were dry. And She then became the food person with the same gloves. She kept rushing me along wanting me to chain rattle off my toppings at once, in an empty restaurant! She ask for the next topping before she had the first one in hand. I asked for pita chips and she said no! They were out. I asked could she slow down, I felt rushed and she said that is how she does things. And begins slamming things. When we go to the register I ask for the pita chips from the only nice guy had made for me. He was precious!! Deserves a raise! So here come Thomas back with a single serving of pita chips! Next comes the slapped opened bag as he is in such a hurry that he drops and spills a salad dressing. When I share that I love Cava but this experience was not up to par. He laments the 4 bowls he had to make in an empty restaurant. Once out the door, I return wanting a refund because this meal was ruined and would not be enjoyed. They refuse the refund.

Cava is phenomenal but stay away from this location. If you don’t have the patience stay out of the...

Honestly, the food is great every time I come but the service today was just worst than normal. Not that it’s ever “great”. No one acknowledges you when you enter and when you ask questions, it seems like the workers have an attitude. I asked the guy if he was ok because, it was blatant…I understand people have their own personal issues but when you’re working, there has to be a certain level of communication with the customers. The cashier didn’t even open his mouth to tell me how much my order costs. There was a girl using her phone with her gloves on while preparing people’s food and loud music was blasting from the kitchen. When I asked to speak to the manager, who appeared to be the cook in the kitchen, he did not even attempt to take me seriously. I explained to him my problem with their service and in the middle of our conversation, he just stepped away to help an employee…as if I wasn’t standing right there. No one appears to want to be at their job, which is understandable because who wants to work, but I didn’t come here for this bad energy and bad service. I love Cava, but I will not be back to this location.

Update

I noticed a ton of new positive reviews recently, so I decided to give it a shot again last week… They were out of many ingredients during my last visit and the quality of the service was still pretty bad.

I am not sure if the management or owners are aware of how poorly this location is being operated. It’s sad because the food is...

This place is hands down the best Mediterranean build your own option to open in Druid Hills. The idea is to be able to grab and go with om your meal so no traditional sides other than pita and pita chips. That said, they aren't needed. They have a bunch of different bases to start your bowl or wrap with, choose 3 of their spreads, two scoops of their protein options, and as many toppings as you want. The avocado gets scooped out the skin for each order so if there's some oxidation, don't worry - it doesn't affect the taste. Everything is super fresh and very healthy. They have a ton of dressing to finish everything off too - and allow you to get them on the side to try and find your favorite combination. I recommend the preserved lemon vinaigrette (a little sweet and tangy) or the caesar (hint of spice with a great garlic taste). They use all compostable utensils, plates, and straws and have a nice modern aesthetic inside. Awesome outdoor seating area as well. Drinks are either fountain, fresh made lemonades, or bottled. Staff is patient considering every person is curious about each ingredient so I appreciated them answering my questions about the not-so-commonly found items like the harissa chicken or the roasted eggplant spread. Prices are on the higher end (total was $13.91 for the bowl with a side of pita chips) but for the amount of food and the quality, I find this to be fair. Will definitely be eating here again and in that patio they have when it...