They say a rising tide lifts all boats and, for the restaurant industry, that seems to be the case when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine. Consider category leader CAVA, for instance. Since the company went public in 2023, it has significantly outpaced the industry on same-store sales and traffic growth, including the latest quarter in which same-store sales were nearly 11% higher year-over-year, driven by 7.5% traffic gains.
Mediterranean is one of the fastest growing cuisines in the United States, driven largely by having a healthier halo compared to other cuisines and for having diverse flavor profiles. CAVA has been both a beneficiary and a driver of this trend as it grows toward its goal of having 1,000 locations by 2032.
CAVA’s sales grew by more than 33% year-over-year in 2024 and the chain recently surpassed the $1 billion mark. Its unit count grew by nearly 19% to finish last year with 367 restaurants.
That said, it wasn’t the only Mediterranean concept with double-digit sales growth last year. Others included Nick the Greek, up 30.5%, Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, up 44.2%, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, up 13.3%, Pita Way Mediterranean Grill, up 12.3%, and Spitz Mediterranean Street Food, up 24%.
Notably, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café (+6.6) and Little Greek Fresh Grill (+7.5%) also outpaced the industry in sales growth in 2024.
During a recent interview, CAVA chief financial officer Tricia Toliver said she welcomes the intensifying competition.
“I think it’s great that Mediterranean is becoming a bigger part of everyone’s palate. It’s better for the business overall because it increases awareness and we believe we stand out,” she said. “The brand that is the leader in the category generally experiences winner-takes-all economics.”
Toliver added that as the cuisine continues to grow in the U.S., it will push more culinary innovation in the category, which will add even more momentum.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to have others coming into the category and growing,” she said.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]