CAVA — Restaurant in Short Pump

This review started at 5 stars when they opened and is now to the point that even though the food is great I refuse to go there.

First review: Had no idea what we were walking into. Walking through the door my first thought...oh my Chipotle but less urban. Looked at the menu and almost turned around but decided to give it a shot.

I was glad I did...very glad actually. Everyone there was super pleasant...making me feel like all my choices were brilliant.

The drinks were excellent and unique blends. (An adult beverage would have been ok but no such luck).

I was super impressed with the food. Every bite was different with great fresh ingredients that felt healthy if you're into that kind of thing.

All in all I really liked it. I will be back.

Oh, check out the picture of what happens to a Cava cup when left in the car when you run into the store.

Second review: dropped from 4 to 2 stars because since opening each visit has gotten worse. Loved the app and ability to order online and walk in, pick it up and go. First time worked like a charm. Next time I went I walked in about 5 min. after my pickup time with no one at the pick up station. I walked into the restaurant where only two tables were full and one of then was employees goofing around. The only worker behind the counter looked at me and said "oh, you have a pickup order?" They never even started it and there was no one there.

Third Review: Two days ago we tried again...after paying $18 for a salad and two cookies OUTRAGEOUS I got home to find the portion size was cut by nearly a third. On a positive note the cookies were great.

Forth and last: For the third time in a row our order was not ready when we got there even though there were people just standing around. We got home to find that not only were both orders wrong, they left out my cookies all together. I sent in a complaint and thus is the response I got back:

"Thank you for reaching out! We want each and every customer visit to be a great one and are really sorry to hear that your order came without your extra cookies last night. We've shared this info with our Short Pump team so we can work to address any issues related to our digital orders.

Additionally, we definitely don't like that you were charged for something you didn't receive, so we've just gone ahead and sent the credit amount of the two cookies to your CAVA account. The credit will automatically apply to your next digital order or in-person visit when you use the app at checkout."

So not only did they do the bare minimum, they wont refund me until I come back....they legit ripped me off.

Last update...I promise. After posting my last CAVA reached out and refunded my whole meal which I thought was generous. ...

We go to CAVA a few times a year since it opened. My son has been getting the same exact meal. Kids pita half rice/half lentils. This time they refused and said one or other even though it’s same amount of food. The employee behind the counter and the GM argued with me and told me I was wrong, Lol. I’m not. I really don’t see the big deal and why be rude to a customer over a spoon of lentils. We said we would pay extra. Said they don’t do that. Ok so how ridiculous. You have the ingredients and can’t do it?! Literally a restaurant where the concept is pick your sides/toppings. AND again we have been ordering this for 3 years and offered to pay extra (even though we never have in past) Horrible customer service. Eventually they allowed us to pay $1.50 extra for the same amount of food as if we had done all rice or all lentils. 😂 The passive aggressive GM kept giving us dirty little looks while we ate like we did something wrong by paying extra and just ordering what our son likes and has always ordered. Bathrooms were dirty as well and out of toilet paper and hand towels. There are plenty of restaurants in Short Pump with friendlier service and cleaner. We will opt there next time and stick to the CAVA...

Hype or not?

First impressions, the parking lot was super crowded. The end of the line was at the door. It actually felt like I was at a top of the line nursing home visiting a grandma. Every elderly person in Short Pump was here. When I saw the menu, I started questioning myself for coming. Yet, Cava took the time to send out a free meal to have people in the nearby neighborhoods try them.

Personally, I’m not overly pleased with the menu like I’d thought I be based upon some who’ve been here. I was told that Cava is upscale version of their competitor down the street.

I purchased a grain bowl. I skipped the greens due to the most recent recall of lettuce. I opted for brown rice rather than the white steamed rice. I wasn’t pleased with the limited humus selection so I skipped that. I added grilled chicken and roasted vegetables half and half, as well as feta, tomato and cucumber mix and Greek vinaigrette. The brussel sprouts were overly roasted as they were charred very black.

The grilled chicken doesn’t have an awesome flavor.

For a free meal, they’re meh...okay. The staff were friendly.

I wouldn’t recommend this place for children.

At this point, I can’t say they’re better than their...