It’s a popular destination shopping center in Connecticut and it is growing as a dining location too.
CAVA, a fast-growing Mediterranean dining concept now is coming to the Shops at Farmington Valley.
CAVA is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients and has a 2027 opening planned.
It marks another milestone in the center’s continued evolution into a “dynamic dining destination,” a spokesperson for The Shops said.
Hilary Higgins | Chicago Tribune
Shake Shack is known as a “modern day roadside burger stand,” with burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and frozen custard treats.
The Shops also plan this year for the opening of Shake Shack, Ramen & Bao and Wonder.
“Together, the additions represent a carefully curated mix of nationally recognized brands and emerging concepts designed to make The Shops a destination for everything from casual weeknight dinners to daylong outings, the spokesperson said.
“What’s being built at The Shops at Farmington Valley is very much a reflection of the community around us, one that has evolved in meaningful ways. The Farmington Valley has seen a remarkable surge in new homeowners and rising residential values, and the energy that brings is palpable,” the spokesperson said,
Elizabeth Ackerman, general manager of The Shops at Farmington Valley, said “welcoming Shake Shack, Wonder, and Ramen & Bao this year, alongside the signing of CAVA for 2027, speaks to the caliber of guest we’ve cultivated here and the confidence these brands have in this market.”
Shake Shack is set to open in July 2026 and is known for it 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, flat-top Vienna beef dogs, spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine.
Customers shopping at the The Shops at Farmington Valley.
Joining Shake Shack are Ramen + Bao and Wonder, two different concepts intended to elevate the center’s dining experience. Ramen + Bao will open its third Connecticut location at The Shops, it focuses on “richly flavored broths,” house-made bao and small plates and shareables: such as Scallion pancakes, Taiwanese fried chicken, fried rice, spring rolls that have earned the brand a devoted following.
Wonder, known as “The Cravings Expert,” offers a dining model intended to satisfy a variety of tastes in a single order. For example, guests can order everything from steakhouse-style entrées to comfort food favorites for kids, all in a dining experience that “reimagines what a restaurant can be.”
Ackerman said that as new restaurants continue to arrive, The Shops at Farmington Valley is increasingly becoming more than a retail destination. It is now part of Connecticut’s “evolving food scene,” she said.
CAVA also is opening a new restaurant in Glastonbury this year.
Dining and Cooking