CAVA — Restaurant in Chapel Hill

I really wanted to like this place, and had high hopes, but some things leaved more to be desired.

Pros: Food was mostly tasty (except for falafel). I appreciate the unusual drink/soda options.

Cons: -- Small portion sizes. For a place that is trying to be "Mediterranean Chipotle", the portions are definitely not Chipotle-sized, and don't seem like a good value. They use comically small spoons and scoops to serve everything except grains. You get just 3 tiny scoops of "dips" (i.e. hummus), each less than a tablespoon (approx 2cm diameter sphere). I guess that more would be an extra charge... Other toppings are served with small metal spoons (they kind you eat with). This automatically biases toward small servings because the server would need to add multiple scoops to equal a Chipotle-sized spoonful. I estimate a Chipotle bowl has 50% more food at least, and is cheaper! A basic bowl here costs almost $11, with no discounts for vegetarian options. My bowl was barely half full. Meanwhile, I can go down the street to Chipotle and get a heaping veggie bowl and drink for about that much, and there is no extra charge for anything except meat or guac (and that's free on veggie bowls). A bowl + drink here was over $15, and left me unsatisfied (even though I also got the side pita for extra calories once I saw the small portions).

Falafel was mushy and bland. I had some from two separate batches, two were OK and crispy, two were mushy. Bad batch? In any case, four tiny 2cm-diameter falafel balls is not enough food. Similar restaurants I've been to would provide at least 50% more (e.g. 4 to 6 3cm+ falafel balls). Falafel is cheap compared to meat, there's no reason to be so stingy.

I might go back here again sometime to see if it's any better, but until they fix the portion size issue and improve the falafel I don't think it will...

I used to go here a lot when I lived closer, but the last two times I went makes me not want to go back to this specific location. The first time I went, the line was wrapped all the way around and ended at the door. I waited 20 minutes and didn’t even make it near the front of the line so I left and drove to another Cava. It’s clear they get a lot of business so they must be doing well, but I was surprised when I looked at the reviews at how lately they have been mostly negative reviews. When I walked in today the line was much shorter so I waited. The line moves relatively slowly compared to other places similar to this style of serving, but I waited patiently. When it was my turn, the two women who were first in the serving line didn’t say a word to me. I didn’t actually know it was my turn to order until I looked at the first girl and she was just staring at me. I told her I was ordering two bowls and she started them and then the next girl stepped in. Again, no words were said and it was VERY CLEAR both girls did not want to be there. Because of their lack of customer service, they were just piling up bowls for the next worker in line who was in charge of the toppings and it created a work flow jam. The guys doing toppings and checking out were great but the two women before them really brought the vibe down, as if they were annoyed to be there. It was very clearly projected onto the customers. I totally get that it was busy, but those two girl’s attitude made me feel very unwelcome. This was encounter was...

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! I frequent this location and never thought I’d have an issue such as the one I had today(around 5pm EST). I believed I was overcharged for my food. I ordered a bowl with half steak, half roasted vegetables, and a whole serving of chicken. However, it was never communicated to me that the steak is a premium protein and would cost an additional $3 until after I paid. I attempted to explain the extra charge to multiple employees, that the steak costing extra was never disclosed (much like they do when you add avocado), and they all tried to justify the up-charge. I then requested a refund and the “Store Manager” refused me of my refund. I requested his name (Latino Guy, maybe late 30s-40s.), and he said he couldn’t give it to me, despite EVERYONE else wearing name tags on their shirts and/or hats. As he proceeds to rudely have a conversation in Spanish with his General Manager, as if everyone doesn’t speak Spanish these days, and I said I’d dispute the transaction with my bank, it wasn’t until then he said he could refund me. I didn’t care about the $3. My issue is with the lack of communication, the unprofessionalism, the dismissive behavior, the lying, the lack of accountability, etc. I can go on! This will definitely be my last time here; I should’ve went to CHOPT like...