Cava Mediterranean Chain Plans Four Twin Cities Locations
A rapidly growing restaurant brand is preparing to enter the Minnesota market.
Cava, a Washington D.C. based Mediterranean fast casual chain, plans to open four locations in the Twin Cities metro area as part of its Midwest expansion strategy.
For Minnesota diners who enjoy customizable bowls similar to Chipotle, this could quickly become a popular lunch and dinner option.
Confirmed Cava Locations In The Twin Cities
Two of the planned restaurants have already been confirmed.
The first will open at 620 Washington Avenue SE near the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. This area is one of the busiest food corridors near campus and already attracts heavy foot traffic from students and downtown workers.
A second location is planned at 12351 Ulysses Street NE in Blaine, serving the northern metro suburbs.
Two additional sites are expected but have not been fully confirmed by the company yet:
• Cedar Commons development near Whole Foods on Excelsior Boulevard in Minneapolis
• Colonial Square retail center in Wayzata
These areas were likely chosen because they sit in high traffic retail districts with strong daytime populations.
What Makes Cava Different
Cava is often compared to Chipotle, but instead of Mexican inspired bowls, the menu focuses on Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.
Customers build their own bowls, salads, or pita wraps using options such as:
• Grilled chicken or lamb
• Roasted vegetables
• Hummus and tzatziki
• Spicy harissa
• Feta cheese
• Pickled onions and olives
The brand has built a strong following across major cities thanks to its focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
A Fast Growing National Restaurant Brand
Cava has expanded rapidly in recent years.
The company opened 72 restaurants in 2025 alone and now operates around 440 locations nationwide.
Leadership has publicly stated the brand is targeting 1,000 restaurants by 2032, which means expansion into new Midwest markets like Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Columbus is a key part of their growth plan.
What This Means For The Twin Cities Food Scene
The Twin Cities restaurant market continues attracting national chains alongside strong local concepts.
Areas like North Loop, Uptown, Edina, Wayzata, and the University of Minnesota district are increasingly targeted by growing brands because of their dense population and high demand for quick, high quality dining options.
Cava’s arrival adds another fast casual option for residents looking for healthy and customizable meals.
It also reflects how the Twin Cities continues to be an attractive expansion market for national restaurant brands.
If you follow Twin Cities development news and new business openings, this is another sign of continued growth across the metro.
And for those who enjoy Mediterranean food, you may soon have a new go to lunch spot.
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