Tricia Tolivar, chief financial officer of fast-casual Mediterranean chain Cava, told EuroHerald that the company posted a 31.3% jump in revenue to $365.4 million in the second quarter, while same-restaurant sales rose 9% on a 5.3% increase in traffic.
Growth and expansion
The results pushed Cava shares up more than 10% after the earnings release. The chain opened 17 net new restaurants in the quarter, taking its total footprint to 476 locations across the United States and putting it on track for 75 openings this year.
AI as a productivity tool
In preparing for the August 11 earnings call, Tolivar's finance team relied on artificial-intelligence features embedded in Cava's proprietary data platforms, Cava Core and Cava Current. She described AI as a way to make the finance function sharper and faster, helping advisers within the organisation. Tolivar added that the technology is intended to reduce friction on the restaurant floor rather than replace staff.
"We believe in human connection," she said.
She said the company will hire 2,500 new employees this year while scaling automation, a balance that could set a benchmark for other consumer brands facing pressure to prove AI return on investment without cutting jobs.
Career development and menu innovation
Cava launched a "Flavor Your Future" campaign to support internal career growth, including a new assistant general manager role that now exists in about 70% of its restaurants. The chain also added salmon to its menu this quarter and introduced Harissa barbecue pita chips, which Tolivar recommends with the garlic dressing.
Pricing strategy
Despite the rapid expansion, Cava raised menu prices by only 1.4% to 1.5% at the start of 2026 and kept base bowl prices flat, undercutting the consumer price index by nearly half for several years. Tolivar said no further price increases are planned for the remainder of the year.
Looking ahead, Tolivar expects the AI tools to be rolled out more broadly across the organisation, while the hiring push and new restaurant openings continue to drive growth. The company's disciplined pricing approach aims to keep the brand attractive to cost-conscious diners as it expands further.