Cava, a new-to-Kentucky chain featuring build-your-own grain bowls, salads and pitas with a Mediterranean flavor, is planning to bring two locations to Lexington apparently.
A new Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant with a cult following is coming to town.
Cava, which specializes in grain and salad bowls, pita wraps and more, has filed permits with the city to open two locations in Lexington. They will be the first Cava restaurants in Kentucky.
Cava did not immediately respond to a request for details on the new restaurants.
Cava, a new-to-Kentucky chain featuring build-your-own grain bowls, salads and pitas with a Mediterranean flavor, is planning to bring two locations to Lexington apparently.
One will be in the Hamburg shopping center, at 2305 Sir Barton Way, in the former Joella’s Hot Chicken restaurant spot, next to BD’s Mongolian Grill. Joella’s closed in February.
According to Patrick Madden, Hamburg developer, the 3,200-square-foot restaurant is expected to open in Spring 2027.
Another location apparently is coming to Fritz Farm: A permit also has been filed for 4049 Finn Way, just off Nicholasville Road and Man o’ War Boulevard.
A spokeswoman for Fritz Farm was not immediately available to say when the restaurant is expected to open there.
What is on the menu at Cava? 
Cava, a new-to-Kentucky chain featuring build-your-own grain bowls, salads and pitas with a Mediterranean flavor, is planning to bring two locations to Lexington apparently. Cava 
Cava’s menu lets you build your own bowls and pita wraps, adding in Mediterranean flavors such as feta, pickled onions, falafel and harissa. Cava
Cava was founded in 2010 by childhood friends Ike Grigoropoulos, chef Dimitri Moshovitis and Ted Xenochristos, with CEO Brett Schulman. Now they have more than 400 restaurants across the country and growing.
The menu features build-your-own salads, grain bowls and pitas with a variety of proteins and non-meat options are available. Cava’s pita chips are fan favorites to go with dips including Crazy Feta, whipped feta with jalapeno, onion and olive oil. Kids’ meals, desserts and drinks are also available. Cava also offers catering.
This story was originally published October 16, 2026 at 7:20 AM.
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