Cava’s assembly-line service means their hours are built around peak lunch crowds, but holiday closures can throw off your Mediterranean fix. Knowing the exact Cava Restaurant Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you head out saves you from a wasted trip. This guide breaks down the daily schedule, weekend changes, and what happens when a federal holiday rolls around.
Most Cava locations do not serve a seperate breakfast menu. Their day starts when the grill fires up for lunch, usually right at 10:45 AM. You can order from the full menu the moment the doors open, which makes it a solid spot for an early lunch or a late breakfast-style bowl if you load up on eggs and feta.
Standard Daily Operating Hours
Cava keeps things consistent from Monday through Sunday at most corporate-owned stores. The hours rarely change between weekdays and weekends, unlike some fast-casual chains that shorten their weekend shifts.
- Monday to Friday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
These are the standard hours for the majority of locations. However, you should always check your specific store because mall locations, airport kiosks, and college campus outposts often run on a different clock. A downtown Cava in a financial district might close at 8 PM on weekdays if the office crowd clears out early.
Why Cava Does Not Serve Breakfast
Unlike chains like Panera or Starbucks, Cava skips the morning window entirely. Their menu is built around grain bowls, pitas, and salads that work better for lunch and dinner. Opening at 10:45 AM lets them prep fresh ingredients in the morning without rushing a separate breakfast line.
If you are looking for a breakfast option, you will need to pivot to a Greek yogurt parfait or just wait until 10:45. The good news is that the full menu is available immediately, so you can build a hearty bowl with braised lamb or roasted chicken right at opening time.
Cava Restaurant Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Holiday hours are where things get tricky. Cava does not follow a uniform holiday schedule across all locations. Some stores stay open on minor holidays, while others shut down completely. The safest move is to check the app or call ahead, but here is a general breakdown of what to expect.
Major Holidays When Cava Closes
Most Cava locations close their doors on these federal holidays. If you plan to visit on one of these days, you will likely need a backup plan.
- Thanksgiving Day – Closed
- Christmas Day – Closed
- New Year’s Day – Closed (some locations open at 11 AM)
- Easter Sunday – Closed at many locations
Holidays With Modified Hours
Some holidays get a reduced schedule instead of a full closure. These days often see shorter operating windows, so you will need to arrive earlier than usual.
- Fourth of July – Open until 4 PM or 5 PM
- Memorial Day – Open until 6 PM
- Labor Day – Open until 6 PM
- Christmas Eve – Open until 4 PM
- New Year’s Eve – Open until 6 PM
These are not guaranteed times. A franchise location might choose to close entirely on the Fourth of July, while a corporate store in a busy tourist area could stay open until 9 PM. Always verify with your local store before heading out.
How To Confirm Your Local Cava Hours
You have a few reliable ways to check the schedule for your nearest Cava. The fastest method is usually the mobile app, which pulls real-time data for each location.
- Open the Cava app and tap “Find a Location”
- Enter your zip code or enable location services
- Select your store to see today’s hours and any holiday alerts
- Call the store directly if the app seems unclear
You can also check Google Maps, but be aware that holiday hours sometimes lag behind the actual schedule. The app is the most accurate source because Cava updates it directly from their internal system.
Peak Hours And Wait Times
Understanding when Cava gets busy helps you plan your visit. The lunch rush is the busiest window, especially between 12 PM and 1:30 PM on weekdays. If you can shift your meal to 11 AM or 2 PM, you will skip the line almost entirely.
- Slowest times: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Busiest times: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Weekend lunch: Busy from 12:30 PM to 2 PM
The dinner rush is shorter than lunch, but it can still create a 10-15 minute wait. If you are ordering for a group, use the app’s “Order Ahead” feature to skip the line entirely. Your food will be ready on a shelf when you arrive.
What To Do If Cava Is Closed
If you show up on a holiday and the doors are locked, do not panic. You have a few solid alternatives that serve similar Mediterranean flavors.
- Try a local Greek or Lebanese restaurant that stays open on holidays
- Check if a nearby Cava in a different neighborhood has different hours
- Make a quick bowl at home with pre-cooked grains, hummus, and grilled chicken
Your best bet is to check the app before you leave the house. Cava sends push notifications about holiday closures a few days in advance, so you will not get caught off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cava Serve Breakfast At Any Location?
No, Cava does not offer a breakfast menu at any location. The earliest you can order is 10:45 AM when the lunch menu becomes available.
Are Cava Hours The Same On Weekends?
Yes, most locations keep the same hours on Saturday and Sunday as they do on weekdays. Some mall locations may open later on Sunday, so check your specific store.
Is Cava Open On Thanksgiving?
No, almost all Cava locations close on Thanksgiving Day. The day before Thanksgiving, they usually operate on a normal schedule.
Can I Order Ahead For Pickup During Holiday Hours?
Yes, you can use the app to order ahead even on days with modified hours. Just make sure you select the correct pickup time and confirm the store is actually open.
Why Do Cava Holiday Hours Vary By Location?
Franchise locations have more flexibility with their schedules compared to corporate stores. Local management decides whether to stay open based on foot traffic and staffing.
Knowing the Cava Restaurant Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you go makes the whole experience smoother. Check the app, plan around the rush, and you will have your bowl in hand within five minutes of walking in the door.