Popular Mediterranean restaurant Cava to open in Wicker Park

Known for its pitas, salads and bowls, the fast-casual chain will open a location on North Milwaukee Avenue.

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A rendering of Cava’s first Illinois location, due to open this spring in Wicker Park at 1484 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Courtesy of Greenstone Partners

Mediterranean fast-casual juggernaut Cava is expanding its footprint to Illinois this spring.

The chain will open a restaurant in Wicker Park at 1484 N. Milwaukee Ave. in late April or early May, according to a company spokesperson.

Formerly the site of Native Foods, the 3,100-square-foot space will have 30 seats and employ 30 to 35 people, the spokesperson said. Multiple job openings, including roles for a general manager and culinary lead, are listed on ZipRecruiter and other employment websites.

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Cava specializes in pitas, salads and bowls.

Courtesy of Cava

Founded in Maryland, Cava specializes in pitas, salads and bowls. The company boasts an annual revenue of more than $700 million and more than 300 restaurants, with plans to open between 48 and 52 new locations in 2024.

Cava signed a 15-year lease for the Wicker Park location, according to Greenstone Partners, a Chicago real estate brokerage firm.

The company confirmed plans to open additional restaurants in the Chicago area, but could not provide details on location and timing.

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