CAVA — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

As a VERY frequent customer and a professional who curates career readiness experiences for the next generation workforce, Kevin A. demonstrates excellent customer service skills with respect, empathy, and leadership, just to name a few — a true class act.

Every encounter with Kevin is a pleasure. I knew from our first conversation that his character is genuine, and he has remained true to his authentic-self, time after time. He truly makes my dining experience complete, EVERY visit that he’s there!

The Cava franchise is VERY fortunate to have such a kind-spirited person such as Kevin representing their company because it is extremely hard to find team members who not only demonstrate HIS character, but also shows genuine interest in their role in today’s society.

Also, I can’t forget about Pete, his manager, who continues to demonstrate an outstanding example of a true leader to his team. I’ve actually witnessed him on different occasions coach multiple team members through various touch points of the Cava experience to ensure top tier quality for their customers. He actually gives them examples to help them understand the “why” rather than just telling them to just do it. He is what you call a transformative leader!

With Pete’s leadership and Kevin’s level of customer service, it’s literally the reason why Cava in Westbury keeps getting my money in today’s economy.

Shoutout to the rest of the team: King, the other Kevin (I’m not sure if he’s there anymore), and the rest of the wonderful team.

As we are approaching the holidays and the new year, if it was up to me, I would give them all a raise because I’ve never experienced quality customer service from any other restaurant establishment as I have from the Cava team in Westbury.

To the team, thanks for always making every experience worth it, from the smiles to the quality of the food, and for making me feel like family.

Cava, as a franchise — look to THIS team as the model for the Cava customer...

This was my first trip to Cava. Needed to go see what the fuss was about. We’ve passed it several times- and theres always a line! I live in the Mediterranean so the dishes are not all that new to me. It gives me Chipotle vibes BUT mediterranean style. So you can put together a pita wrap or a bowl, you can pick a base, toppings and sauce you want. Since it seemed all too overwhelming, i picked something off the Chef curated Bowls so i only have to omit stuff i don’t like but they basically put it together according to their recipe. Though the staff are hip, young, friendly & attentive, i found it so unprofessional when i came up to give my order, the guy behind the counter said to me, i don’t have the recipe for that, can you read it to me? Dude, this IS your job. You’re supposed to know it like the back of your hand! The long lines are proof that you do this endlessly- by this time, you SHOULD have it down pat- eyes closed! Service is good but slow because this is what happens when customers have to decide on the spot what they want in their food- that’s just the way it is. Though they’re quite systematic in the prep area, the front of the house i have to say is neglected. At the time of visit- with the long lines, the drink area had 2 empty drink dispensers, no napkins and a wet floor- all of the staff, you guessed it, were all focused at the preparation area behind the counter. Floor Manager, anyone? Such potential, but early on, you’re already dropping the ball on this one. It’s such a hit with everyone though inspite of this. I’d say give it a try. Everybody loves the red pickled onions- even my daughter who doesn’t eat onions will have that! They have unique hand-made drinks the cucumber mint lemonade was very refreshing. No run of the mill coke/pepsi sodas here- instead they carry maine root black cherry & blue...

I don't always go out of my way to write reviews but when a business and their staff goes out of their way to make sure I'm taken care of without asking, I make sure to express my gratitude.

The other day, I visited this location with my partner. This was the second time we'd been to Cava in general and to this location. The first time, we were still feeling things out...food was great, wasn't too busy, and we took our food to go. Didn't have much to mention.

This time though, it was a very busy Monday evening and we were planning to sit in and eat. As we were on line placing our order, we could feel the staff becoming a bit overwhelmed. It seemed as though the evening rush started to have an impact. By the time we got to the front, there was a bit of a stall as the employees had to replenish the food. However, having worked in customer service, we were patient as the staff pulled themselves together. Eventually when we got to the front we were greeted by Pete, the manager. He was so courteous and thanked us for our patience. Come to find out they were indeed understaffed and the general manager was even in the back stepping in to help.

As we sat to eat, we saw Pete running around, wiping tables, making sure things were running smoothly. He didn't berate the other employees for how the line was moving and he even checked in with customers who were sitting down to eat making sure they enjoyed their food.

I can't speak for how it is everyday, but Pete definitely went out of his way to make sure everyone was good that night when things got tough and we left very impressed. Definitely...