Cava Is Acquiring Another Mediterranean Fast-Casual Chain

Expansions

D.C.’s homegrown fast-casual company Cava Group, Inc. is scooping up another Mediterranean chain: Zoe’s Kitchen, a fast-casual eatery with 261 locations across the country. Cava currently has 66 restaurants, and together the combined companies will have 327 restaurants in 24 states throughout the U.S.

Cava’s CEO Brett Schulman said in a statement:

Today’s announcement is an exciting milestone for CAVA, and we’re thrilled to welcome Zoës Kitchen to our family. Together, these two brands are united by a shared heritage and passion for exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. Now with the addition of Zoës Kitchen, we will be able to broaden our geographic footprint and meet the needs of even more guests — whether in Bethesda or Birmingham, Plano or Pasadena — who crave delicious, healthy food without compromise. As part of the CAVA family, Zoës Kitchen will benefit from CAVA’s track record of bold culinary innovation and leveraging data and technology to drive growth and convenience.

Coming attractions

Ballston’s redevelopment project Ballston Quarter will include a new restaurant from the team behind Bethesda’s Butchers Alley and Pescadeli. It’s dubbed Copa, and the Spanish restaurant will boast a “sangria garden,” along with craft cocktails and Spanish beers at the bar and Spanish flatbreads and tizona skewers on the menu.

Coming attractions

A New Jersey restaurant called K-Pot specializing in hot pot entrees and Korean barbecue will open in Bethesda’s Montrose shopping center, according to Robert Dyer.

Two Peruvian imports for NoVa

Maryland’s fast-growing Peruvian chain Sari’s Pollo a la Brasa just announced plans to open its first locations in Virginia. One is headed for Alexandria’s Shops at Mark Center (1480 N Beauregard Street) in the former Noodles and Company space; the other is arriving a 10-minute drive north at Bailey’s Crossroads. Sardi’s started in Beltsville, Md. a decade ago, with a menu focused on rotisserie chicken, sides, and sauces, along with lamb chops and steak. The deals were first reported by Alexandria Living this week.

Its Long & Foster broker Erik Ulsaker tells Eater both locations are expected to debut December 1. Sari’s is looking for more Northern Virginia sites (within a 20-minute drive of the incoming locations), sized at 3,000 to 3,600 square feet and with outdoor seating, he adds.