Fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant expands with new Arden location

ASHEVILLE - A growing national restaurant brand has brought more health-forward options south of the city.

On June 28, Cava opened a new location at 1 Brian Blvd., Unit 100 in Arden.

The fast-casual Mediterranean eatery offers a menu of customizable bowls, wraps, salads and more.

“Our mission is to bring heart, health and humanity to food,” said Sarah Seale, communications and PR specialist for Cava. “Our food is bold and flavorful and we serve a wide variety of ingredients where customers can build their own bowl or pita or choose from one of our chef-curated items.”

Proteins like harissa honey chicken, braised lamb and grilled steak and ingredients like Kalamata olives, fire-roasted broccoli, corn and pickled onions may be selected to top an assortment of greens or grains to make a custom dish. Finish the creation with a dip like feta, tzatziki and any of the dressings.

Signature beverage options include strawberry citrus and cucumber mint lime flavored drinks made with fresh ingredients.

“There’s something for everyone. There’s something satisfying and healthy and you don’t have to compromise between taste and health,” Seale said.

The prices vary depending on the diner’s order as upcharges may apply to premium options for custom dishes.

The restaurant’s concept is designed to cater to dietary restrictions and lifestyles like vegetarianism and veganism.

“It has a broad appeal and we’re happy to be able to meet people needs and offer food that’s accessible,” Seale said.

In March 2023, Cava made its Asheville debut with the opening of a location at 14 Swannanoa River Road in Biltmore Village.

Seale said there are more the 325 locations, and the company is expanding across the state following positive customer response.

Delivery is available via DoorDash and Uber.

The Arden restaurant offers online ordering and pick-up by car window service as an added convenience.

A day before the public opening, Cava reportedly distributed free meals to community members and promised to match donations up to $1,000 to gift to MANNA FoodBank and donated hundreds of fresh meals to Western Carolina Rescue Mission during the pre-training period as a part of the company’s “commitment to fighting hunger and reducing food waste.”

Cava

Where: 1 Brian Blvd., Unit 100, Arden.

Hours: 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Info: For more, visit cava.com and follow @CAVA.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Cava Mediterranean restaurant opens a second Asheville area location