CAVA — Restaurant in Palm Harbor

Order was ready almost 20 minutes later than the time given when I ordered. In those 20 minutes, I observed terrible customer service, a completely unorganized and filthy kitchen, and then I get handed this. The girl with the septum piercing clearly did not want to be there (no need to be condescending with a customer that the register that no one is manning is ready for payment, and no need to yell at her across the restaurant that her payment didn’t go through), and the girl with the blue hair apparently couldn’t stand up but she could roll around the back in a desk chair and not help her team. Then everyone was yelling at each other to call other staff in. One bowl that we got doesn’t even have meat or rice in it, and the other has items we didn’t even order. I’m not sure if the employees can’t handle the not so big crowd that was in the restaurant, or they genuinely just don’t care. Either my order was mixed up with another or the employee just threw whatever he could find into a bowl and called it a day. Regardless, I will not return to this location. I was looking forward to a cava closer to home as I have one by my office, but I guess I’ll just stick to the one closer to...

I was introduced to Cava a few months ago while visiting South Carolina. I found them via Google because I had the taste for Mediterranean flavors. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, so much so, I googled the name upon my return home to Fl.

Since then I've eaten at one in Tampa twice, one in Brandon once, and this one in Palm Harbor 4 times.

I was highly disappointed with my experience in Palm Harbor today. I spent $24 for a bowl with lamb and 2 orders of the pita chips. The brown rice, lentils and the lamb were cold (lamb was almost refrigerator cold). I'm not even sure how to describe the pita chips. They were cold and extra, extra crunchy. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. If the traffic in that area wasn't so inconvenient for me, I would have returned with the pita chips, because I tried them as soon as I made my u-turn after leaving... I don't think I'll be craving Cava again. Just after I reluctantly downloaded the app, to use the first time today. Very disappointed...

Oh yes, I'm also wondering about the staff, the food line members seem to be stressed, like they're under pressure...

Buyer beware, especially if you...

5 Stars – Fresh, Fast, and Friendly!

I’m honestly surprised by the number of negative reviews for this CAVA, especially considering it’s been open for less than two weeks. As someone who has worked in NRO (new restaurant openings) at multiple restaurants, I know firsthand how short and unbelievably fast the training period is. Given that, I was impressed by how well they’re doing already!

The food was fresh, delicious, and came out quickly—even during a busy rush. The staff was positive, smiling, and handling the chaos with grace, even when being slammed. I’ve personally witnessed them being yelled at and berated by entitled customers, yet they always respond with patience, kindness, and professionalism. That’s something our beautiful community should reflect back to them.

Of course, any new restaurant takes a few months to truly find its rhythm, but for being brand new, this team is doing an incredible job. If this is how they’re performing now, I can’t wait to see how great this location will be once they settle in. Let’s offer them grace rather than jumping...