Recently (i.e. September 2020), the loud, impatient, pushy, female supervisor/manager individual here had not been fair to me at all. She threatened to charged me extra, for a full serving of grains (e.g. rice and lentils). This would be reasonable, if they measured the portions; or, gave the same portion unilaterally to their customers. However, many times I've been given a quarter, a third or a half serving by different employees. Rarely did I receive a full serving. So, in asking for a little more to reach a full serving, the female supervisor/manager assumed that I was attempting to get more than the one, full portion allowed. After having gone to other CAVA locations, when asked, I was told that the serving size was one full ladle; not a third, a quarter nor a half. I found this to be disturbing; as it sends a message that says that 'whatever' they give you is considered a full serving and anything in addition to this would be at a higher cost.
Also, for the years that I've been a patron of this business, I've been told that i'm allowed two different selections of grains; at no additional charge. The impatient worker, aforementioned even contested that; which had been confirmed repeatedly at other locations.
Perhaps CAVA is taking a new practice, at this location; and a rather deceitful one at that. For this reason, i'm forced to downgrade my rating from 5 stars to 2 stars. The food is great; however, the service leaves much to be desired. In addition, I will no longer patronize this location, which is in my place of residence (i.e. WESTCHESTER). What an inconvenience! Excellent Mediterranean style food! This food is healthy; and is not fast-food. The atmosphere is relaxing. Lighting is not harsh. The music helps to be somewhat conducive to the set atmosphere. Decor is fine; with nothing outrageous or offensive vying for your attention.
The natural drinks are made fresh, throughout the day; just as the food. The drink station is fairly maintained. The water is another matter; as it should be filtered. It tastes like plain tap water.
Sometimes you are greeted upon entering, by the workers; however, they appear to be selective in whom they welcome. The staff generally do not engage the customers; with the exception of fulfilling the order.
However, the Rye Brook location needs to be consistent in keeping their tables clean. Oftentimes, it's not during the busy period, when we visit; so, there's really no reason for the dining area to not be given attention. One should not have to venture towards the back of the establishment to find a clean table. Take care of this issue and they may even get a 5 star rating.
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Read moreCAVA Sets the Standard for Excellence – A True Gem!
If you’re looking for a place where top-tier service, inclusivity, and professionalism come together seamlessly, look no further than CAVA. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the positive energy radiating through the team, and it was clear that this establishment operates on a foundation of respect, teamwork, and hospitality.
Vanessa and the line servers were absolutely phenomenal. Their attentiveness, efficiency, and welcoming demeanor made my experience truly stand out. They greeted every customer with a smile, treated everyone with the same level of care, and went above and beyond to make sure orders were perfect. What truly set them apart was their inclusivity—you could tell that every guest, regardless of background, was treated like family. It’s rare to find a team that makes you feel valued and appreciated with such sincerity, but at CAVA, it seems to be the norm.
What impressed me even more was how the staff treated each other. There was a deep sense of respect and camaraderie among the employees, a clear sign that this is a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do. The way Vanessa and her team worked together—supporting one another, uplifting each other, and ensuring a smooth operation—was inspiring to watch. This level of synergy doesn’t happen by chance; it’s a direct reflection of outstanding leadership. The managers at CAVA have clearly cultivated an environment where excellence is encouraged, and that commitment to quality is echoed throughout the entire team.
Beyond the exceptional service, let’s talk about the food—fresh, flavorful, and made with care. Every bite was a testament to the passion and dedication behind the counter. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the people. Vanessa and the entire CAVA team set the bar high for what hospitality should be.
I can confidently say that this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. If you want to witness exceptional service, inclusivity at its finest, and a team that truly embodies professionalism, do yourself a favor and visit CAVA. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a shining example of what happens when great management, dedicated employees, and a commitment to excellence come together. I’ll be back, and I’ll be bringing everyone I...
Read moreWe've been going to Cava for a while and up until the past few months it was great. The past 3 times I went in the chicken was burnt, which makes it very hard to chew and not appetizing. Today my daughter begged to go to Cava, so I gave them one more chance. The chicken again was burnt, and I told the guy who was making my bowl. He looked surprised that I would say something. He then gave me a small portion from the middle, away from the pieces that were really charred. My daughter got the sweet potato. Many of the pieces were burnt and very hard to chew, especially for a 7 year old. Many of the pieces she took out of her mouth with a napkin, since they weren't edible. Here is a picture of what they served her. Absolutely disgusting. I asked for the Manager and showed her the sweet potato and told her about the chicken. She gave me a half apology, and made up an excuse that the oven is 600 degrees. The chicken is cooked on a grill from what I can see and there's no excuse for burning food consistently. On top of it, they raised their prices $2.00 per bowl. (I get that prices are going up with inflation) However, the quality has gone way down and so have the portions. I wonder if they are under new management in Rye Brook. The employees clearly need training in how to cook and how to deal with customers. It's a real shame because the concept is great and the place used...
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