CAVA — Restaurant in Glenarden

I visited the Lanham, MD (Woodmore Towne Centre) location tonight at 9:30 p.m. (I understand it was close to closing; however, based on the hours they were open for business.) I notice another reviewer experienced an issue at a time right before closing.

I understand we are in the middle of a pandemic and appreciate that cleaning is on everyone's mind. However, I think it's inappropriate for someone to wipe (I assume with some sort of cleaning solution) around the containers of food (touching the containers) and then proceed to lift the containers from their location, continue to wipe the surface, and then replace the container "with food" back to its serving spot (sometimes touching the serving utensil) while another employee is preparing my food - at the same time.

The location was empty, so I assume the employees wanted to get a jump on cleaning needed for closing. I canceled my order and left. My main thoughts were, "is some of the solution actually ending up in the container of food," "are some of the crumbs being wiped away from the surface ending up in the container of food." This what not someone wiping up a spill... There was a bucket of cleaning solution and the employee was scrubbing away as if "spring cleaning."

It was not a pleasant sight. There must be time set aside for "end of day" cleaning after the establishment is closed. I do not want to see this while my food is being prepared. Especially, when it is happening around what I am...

I’ve had consistently poor experiences at this Cava location, which is disappointing because I used to visit weekly.

Each time, the service bar where they prepare the food is messy, with spilled ingredients and food on the counters. The lack of cleanliness is unsettling, and the napkins are often missing as well.

The staff seem unfamiliar with the menu items, making communication difficult. It often takes twice as long to order because they struggle with English and have trouble identifying ingredients. I believe this is a training issue specific to this location, as it hasn’t been a problem at other Cava locations I’ve visited.

Additionally, the portion sizes are noticeably smaller. My last five experiences have been particularly frustrating: the food was undercooked and lacked seasoning, and they consistently missed items in my to-go orders. Even after switching to to-go to avoid these issues, I encountered new ones. For example, servers refused to give me a bag, even when I offered to pay for it, and incorrectly packaged my food. As a vegan, it’s also concerning that I’ve had cheese accidentally added to my meal, like when a spoon used for cheese was then used to serve my broccoli.

Unfortunately, this location now feels more like a chaotic Chipotle experience, with staff appearing unwilling to accommodate simple requests. The decline in service has been frustrating, and I’ll likely be seeking...

I will not return to this CAVA ever again and I would HIGHLY recommend that you do not visit this location either! First - while there, I saw one of the workers (I don’t know if she was a manager or just one of the kitchen staff) move the trash can with her ungloved hand, and then immediately refill and touch the containers of lettuce and mixed greens. I don’t know if she was planning to take the trash around the back since it was full or if she was just moving it for the sake of but mid-task, she grabbed the FRESH batch of lettuce/greens after just touching the trash can (filled to the brim). Unsanitary!! THEN, the person fixing my bowl was rudely stingy with my food. To the point where I asked for half honey chicken and falafels and she had the nerve after only putting in a small spoon full of chicken to actually dig the spoon in there and remove some. The patron behind me was equally annoyed when asking for more braised lamb and this person gets a morsel of meat to throw on there to appease her. She vocalized her concerns and this person continued to act like just a spoon full of food was such a large amount. It was the worst $30 spent on two bowls and I wish in retrospect I walked out, especially when I saw the young woman touch the food AFTER HAVING HER HAND ON THE RIM OF THE TRASH CAN! I will not return, I would suggest you NEVER go. Disrespectful and...