In a move that’s sure to please Chicago’s fast-casual dining enthusiasts, CAVA has planted its Greek-inspired flag squarely in the region with the opening of its second Chicago-area location. This new outpost, conveniently situated at 890 N. Milwaukee Avenue, right by Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, officially threw open its doors this past Friday, drawing in locals eager to sample its Mediterranean fare, as reported by NBC Chicago.
This opening marks another significant step in CAVA's Midwest expansion, giving Vernon Hills the taste of chef-prepared or build-your-own pitas, salads, and bowls that CAVA has become known for. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Wicker Park location was just their beachhead. The company's embrace of the Midwest market appears to firmly align with its growth strategy after going public and amassing an annual revenue north of $700 million.
The Vernon Hills location is expected to create 30-35 jobs, bringing a boost to local employment. At both the Wicker Park and Vernon Hills branches, customers can expect a grab-and-go dining experience replete with a Mediterranean palette, offering dishes like harissa honey chicken and high-demand spicy lamb meatballs, alongside a selection of dips, toppings, and dressings tailored to individual taste.
Not just expanding geographically, CAVA's influence gently touches cultural and familial roots. Ted Xenohristos, co-founder and chief concept officer, shared with Chicago Sun-Times, "I grew up very Greek... The first time I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was in college. My mom would make me spanakopita and send me to school with Greek food." It's this authenticity that CAVA aspires to deliver, to not only satisfy appetites but to also share a slice of the Mediterranean culture's generosity and friendliness.
Before their Midwest leap, CAVA's dip and spread products had already been seducing Illinois taste buds via Whole Foods Markets, a successful test bed which likely helped in making Chicago a top-pick for CAVA's continued expansion. Now, the dual openings signal a confident stride into a city that holds a significant Greek community and a growing appetite for Mediterranean cuisine.
CAVA's "Project Soul" design concept also shines through in the Wicker Park restaurant, featuring a dining area with soft lighting, cushioned booths, and table designs specifically crafted to echo the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality. In the backdrop, a vibrant mural by Chicago artist Alyssa Low captures local pride with accents such as the Chicago flag and the scenic Lake Michigan, grounding the establishment in its new Midwestern home.
For those keen to support community initiatives while indulging their palates, the Wicker Park CAVA made a tangible commitment, according to Chicago Sun-Times, by hosting a "community day" and pledging to match donations up to $1,000 for Dion’s Chicago Dream, thereby making the venture about more than just business—it's about enriching the community that it serves.
