Cava's Stalled Traffic: What Happened?

Okay, "Project Soul." Give me a break.

Is Cava's Soul for Sale?

So, Cava's slowing down, huh? 1.9% same-store sales growth in Q3? That ain't exactly lighting the world on fire, especially when they're blaming it on "pricing and mix shifts." Translation: people aren't buying as much stuff, so they jacked up the prices. And now they're downgrading their full-year projections? Uh oh.

They're blaming the DC slowdown on the government shutdown. Right. Because Cava is so essential that federal employees are lining up for grain bowls the second they get back pay. Gimme a break. It's probably just that people are realizing it's overpriced glorified fast food.

"Project Soul," though? That's the real kicker. Warmer colors, softer seating, greenery... seriously? Is Cava turning into a freakin' yoga studio? They think a new paint job and some potted plants are going to magically fix their traffic problem? Cava’s traffic growth stalls as fast casual market cools - Restaurant Dive

Here's a thought: maybe the problem isn't the ambiance. Maybe it's the fact that a decent lunch costs $20.

And don't even get me started on the "premium protein options" like chicken shawarma and steak. I mean, come on. That's just a blatant attempt to squeeze more money out of customers. "Oh, you want steak on your bowl? That'll be an extra $3, you peasant."

74 new restaurants since last year, including 17 in the last quarter... so they're expanding aggressively while sales are slowing. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? Like a tech company burning through VC money with no path to profitability.

The $95,000 Grain Bowl

The median household income around Cava locations is dropping, apparently. From $122k to $95k. That's still higher than the national average, offcourse, but it’s a trend. Are they pricing themselves out of the market?

And the loyalty program with "spend-based tiers"? So, the more you spend, the more "loyal" you are? It's like some dystopian consumer nightmare. I mean, it’s a rewards program, sure… but is it rewarding, or just encouraging people to spend more than they should on overpriced bowls?

Cava is "wary of relying on discounts." Oh, I bet they are. Discounts would hurt their precious "brand identity." As if their brand identity isn't already "expensive fast food for yuppies."

I'm just saying, maybe, just maybe, people are starting to realize they can get a similar meal for half the price somewhere else.

What's next? Are they gonna start offering "spiritual consultations" with your grain bowl? "Tell me about your day, and I'll recommend the perfect hummus pairing."

Then again, maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe "Project Soul" will work. Maybe people are that easily swayed by warm colors and soft seating. Maybe I'm the crazy one here.

A Fresh Coat of Paint on a Sinking Ship?