CAVA (CAVA) 10-Q 28 May 24 2024 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	May 22, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Apr. 21, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-41721
Entity Registrant Name	CAVA Group, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-3426661
Entity Address, Address Line One	14 Ridge Square NW
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 500
Entity Address, City or Town	Washington
Entity Address, State or Province	DC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	20016
City Area Code	202
Local Phone Number	400-2920
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Trading Symbol	CAVA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		114,028,233
Entity Central Index Key	0001639438
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Amendment Flag	false

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATE

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 329,117	$ 332,428
Trade accounts receivable, net	5,511	3,662
Other accounts receivable	6,221	8,223
Inventories	6,304	5,637
Prepaid expenses and other	4,861	4,962
Total current assets	352,014	354,912
Property and equipment, net	345,695	330,730
Operating lease assets	298,798	289,451
Goodwill	1,944	1,944
Intangible assets, net	1,355	1,355
Other long-term assets	5,284	5,365
Total assets	1,005,090	983,757
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,353	17,234
Accrued expenses and other	53,960	59,219
Operating lease liabilities - current	37,995	32,583
Total current liabilities	111,308	109,036
Deferred income taxes	79	79
Operating lease liabilities	312,771	303,615
Other long-term liabilities	122	225
Total liabilities	424,280	412,955
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 2,500,000 shares authorized; 114,009 and 113,708 issued and outstanding, respectively	11	11
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,271 shares and 1,086 shares, respectively	(17,766)	(9,727)
Additional paid-in capital	1,032,235	1,028,181
Accumulated deficit	(433,670)	(447,663)
Total stockholders’ equity	580,810	570,802
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,005,090	$ 983,757

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDA_2

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,500,000,000	2,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	114,009,000	113,708,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	114,009,000	113,708,000
Treasury stock (in shares)	1,271,000	1,086,000

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDA_3

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 259,006	$ 203,083
Restaurant operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Food, beverage, and packaging	73,947	59,118
Labor	66,513	52,154
Occupancy	20,422	16,599
Other operating expenses	32,758	24,648
Total restaurant operating expenses	193,640	152,519
General and administrative expenses	33,840	29,024
Depreciation and amortization	17,322	12,859
Restructuring and other costs	282	2,215
Pre-opening costs	3,379	5,999
Impairment and asset disposal costs	1,290	2,719
Total operating expenses	249,753	205,335
Income (loss) from operations	9,253	(2,252)
Other income (expense):
Interest (income) expense, net	(4,914)	25
Other income, net	78	174
Income (loss) before income taxes	14,245	(2,103)
Provision for income taxes	252	38
Net income (loss)	$ 13,993	$ (2,141)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.12	$ (1.30)
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.12	$ (1.30)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	113,972	1,647
Diluted (in shares)	117,936	1,647

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDA_4

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022	95,204,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 25, 2022	$ 662,308
Ending Balance (in shares) at Apr. 16, 2023	95,204,000
Ending Balance at Apr. 16, 2023	$ 662,308
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022		1,409,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 25, 2022	(448,503)	$ 0	$ (6,619)	$ 19,059	$ (460,943)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2022			886,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	928			928
Stock options exercised (in shares)		18,000
Stock options exercised	43			43
RSU vesting (in shares)		420,000
RSU vesting	0
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards (in shares)		(144,000)	(144,000)
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards	(1,368)		$ (1,368)
Net income (loss)	(2,141)				(2,141)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 16, 2023		1,703,000
Ending balance at Apr. 16, 2023	$ (451,041)	$ 0	$ (7,987)	20,030	(463,084)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 16, 2023			1,030,000
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023	0
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Apr. 21, 2024	0
Ending Balance at Apr. 21, 2024	$ 0
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023	113,708,000	113,708,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 570,802	$ 11	$ (9,727)	1,028,181	(447,663)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023	1,086,000		1,086,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	$ 3,995			3,995
Stock options exercised (in shares)	11,000	11,000
Stock options exercised	$ 59			59
RSU vesting (in shares)		475,000
RSU vesting	0
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards (in shares)		(185,000)	(185,000)
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards	(8,039)		$ (8,039)
Net income (loss)	$ 13,993				13,993
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 21, 2024	114,009,000	114,009,000
Ending balance at Apr. 21, 2024	$ 580,810	$ 11	$ (17,766)	$ 1,032,235	$ (433,670)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 21, 2024	1,271,000		1,271,000

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDA_5

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 13,993	$ (2,141)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	17,322	12,832
Amortization of intangible assets	0	27
Equity-based compensation	3,995	928
Impairment and asset disposal costs	1,290	2,719
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(1,849)	(1,815)
Other accounts receivable	2,002	(1,965)
Inventories	(667)	799
Prepaid expenses and other	182	1,020
Operating lease assets	(9,446)	(5,036)
Accounts payable	2,199	2,234
Accrued expenses and other	(5,086)	10,058
Operating lease liabilities	14,451	6,019
Net cash provided by operating activities	38,386	25,679
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(33,687)	(39,097)
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,687)	(39,097)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation awards	(8,039)	(1,368)
Stock options exercised	59	43
Offering costs paid	0	(1,411)
Payment of loan acquisition fees	0	(226)
Payments on finance lease obligations	(30)	(29)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,010)	(2,991)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(3,311)	(16,409)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	332,428	39,125
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	329,117	22,716
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Offering costs not yet paid	0	1,432
Cash paid for income taxes	814	42
Change in accrued purchases of property and equipment	$ (327)	$ 4,729

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION CAVA Group, Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, referred to as the “Company”, “CAVA”, “we”, “us”, and “our” unless specified otherwise) was formed as a Delaware corporation in 2015, and prior to that, the first CAVA restaurant opened in 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. The Company is headquartered in Washington D.C. and, as of April 21, 2024, the Company operated 323 fast-casual CAVA restaurants in 24 states and Washington D.C. The number of CAVA restaurants excludes two locations operating under a licensing arrangement and digital kitchens. The Company’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine unites taste and health, with a menu that features chef-curated and customizable bowls and pitas. The Company’s dips, spreads, and dressings are centrally produced for use in our restaurants and to be sold in grocery stores. The Company’s operations are conducted as two reportable segments: CAVA and Zoes Kitchen. These segments were determined on the same basis that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), manages, evaluates, and makes key decisions regarding the business. As of March 2, 2023, the Company no longer operates any Zoes Kitchen locations. Initial Public Offering —On June 20, 2023, we completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 16.6 million shares of common stock at a price of $22.00 per share, which included 2.2 million shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their option to purchase additional shares. After underwriting discounts and commissions of $22.8 million and offering expenses of $6.5 million, we received net proceeds from the offering of $336.1 million. In connection with the IPO, 95.2 million outstanding shares of preferred stock were converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock. Interim Financial Statements —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices of the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods have been included. The unaudited interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures , which improves income tax disclosures through enhanced disaggregation within the rate reconciliation table and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. The Company reviewed all other recently issued accounting standards and determined they were either not applicable or not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results from operations. JOBS Act Election —In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timing for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies and, as a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.

REVENUE

REVENUE	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE	REVENUE The Company’s revenue was as follows : Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) April 21, April 16, Restaurant revenue $ 256,290 $ 200,628 CPG revenue and other 2,716 2,455 Revenue $ 259,006 $ 203,083 Revenue from the sale of the Company’s gift cards and loyalty program is included in restaurant revenue. Refer to Note 5 (Accrued Expenses and Other) for the Company’s gift card liability balances. Revenue recognized from the redemption of gift cards, that was included in the gift card liability at the beginning of the year was $0.9 million and $0.4 million during the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024 and April 16, 2023, respectively . The full amount of the outstanding loyalty liability as of April 21, 2024 is expected to be recognized within one year due to the expiration of loyalty rewards being less than one year.

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis —Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis may include items such as property and equipment, net, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets, net. These assets are measured at fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Certain operating lease assets were measured at fair value, on a non-recurring basis, as of April 16, 2023, in connection with an impairment charge of $0.7 million, which is included within impairment and asset disposal costs in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the sixteen weeks ended April 16, 2023. The fair value of these assets was concluded to be $0.4 million using an income approach (discounted cash flow method), which was measured using Level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs), including the discount rate and projected restaurant revenues and expenses.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET The following table presents the Company’s property and equipment, net: ($ in thousands) April 21, December 31, Land $ 600 $ 600 Building 24,149 — Leasehold improvements 282,620 268,245 Equipment 95,214 78,760 Furniture and fixtures 19,979 19,694 Computer hardware and software 48,989 46,437 Vehicles 508 508 Construction in progress 30,863 58,501 Total property and equipment, gross 502,922 472,745 Less accumulated depreciation (157,227) (142,015) Total property and equipment, net $ 345,695 $ 330,730 Construction in progress includes CAVA new restaurant openings and technology improvements as of both periods presented above. Building as of April 21, 2024 and construction in progress as of December 31, 2023, include the new production facility in Verona, Virginia, which commenced operations in the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024.

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER	ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER The following table presents the Company’s accrued expenses and other: ($ in thousands) April 21, December 31, Accrued payroll and payroll taxes $ 19,612 $ 23,370 Accrued capital purchases 7,689 7,935 Sales and use tax payable 3,548 3,807 Gift card and loyalty liabilities 3,750 4,096 Other accrued expenses 19,361 20,011 Total accrued expenses and other $ 53,960 $ 59,219

DEBT

DEBT	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT As of April 21, 2024, we had a revolving loan commitment with available borrowing capacity of $74.3 million, net of $0.7 million of outstanding letters of credit (the “2022 Credit Facility”) with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. The 2022 Credit Facility has a five-year term and matures on March 11, 2027. The 2022 Credit Facility includes a delayed draw term loan facility (“DDTL”) of $24.0 million, which facility commitment terminates on August 15, 2024. Interest on loans under the 2022 Credit Facility are based on the one, three or six months Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (as described in the 2022 Credit Facility), as applicable, plus an applicable margin of 1.50% to 2.50% based on the Company’s Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2022 Credit Facility). The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee for unused amounts under the 2022 Credit Facility (and a similar ticking fee with respect to undrawn loans under the DDTL), which ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% based on the Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio. The 2022 Credit Facility is unconditionally guaranteed by certain of our domestic restricted subsidiaries and is secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority security interest in and pledge of certain assets of the borrower and the guarantors. The 2022 Credit Facility includes customary restrictive covenants and covenants that require compliance with certain leverage ratios. As of April 21, 2024, the Company was in compliance with these financial and other covenants, and the Company had no borrowings under the 2022 Credit Facility.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXESThe Company’s full pretax income (loss) for the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024 and April 16, 2023 was from U.S. domestic operations. Our effective tax rate was 1.8% and (1.8)% for the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024 and April 16, 2023, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets.

LEASES

LEASES	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES We lease all of our CAVA Restaurants, our digital kitchens, our production facility in Laurel, Maryland, our collaboration center in Washington D.C., and our support centers in Brooklyn, New York, and Plano, Texas. We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception, and determine classification of a lease, if necessary. Typically, restaurant leases have initial terms of 10 years and include five-year renewal options. Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows: Sixteen Weeks Ended ($ in thousands) April 21, April 16, Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 14,276 $ 11,464 Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 19,531 13,833 Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment 109 2,786

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Purchase Obligations —The Company enters into various purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business, generally of a short-term nature. Those that are binding primarily relate to amounts owed for produce and other ingredients and supplies, including supplies and materials used for new restaurant openings. Letters of Credit —As of April 21, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had four irrevocable letters of credit in favor of various landlords in the aggregate amount of $0.7 million. The letters of credit do not require a compensating balance and automatically renew in accordance with the terms of the underlying lease agreement. Litigation —The Company is currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of its business, including claims resulting from employment related matters. While the ultimate outcome and the costs associated with litigation are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict, as of the date hereof, the Company does not believe that any of its pending legal proceedings, most of which are covered by insurance, will have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in uninsured amounts owed under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. On April 27, 2022, the Company was named as a defendant in Hamman et al. v. Cava Group, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, which alleged that certain of our products were unfit for human consumption due to the packaging containing allegedly heightened levels of organic fluorine and unsafe per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), and that consumers were misled by certain marketing claims asserted by us regarding the health and sustainability of our products. Plaintiffs sought, among other relief, compensatory damages in an unspecified amount and medical monitoring. The Company settled the matter and the action was dismissed with prejudice on April 15, 2024. On October 12, 2023, the Company was named as a defendant in GMO Free USA d/b/a Toxin Free USA v. Cava Group, Inc. in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Civil Division, which alleged that we used unhealthy and unsustainable PFAS in our packaging, that our products contained synthetic biocides, and that our “healthy” and “sustainable” marketing claims constituted false and deceptive advertising. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief with respect to refraining from using or sourcing packaging containing PFAS and adding certain product warnings, as well as payment of the plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees. The Company settled the matter and the action was dismissed with prejudice on April 16, 2024. In connection to the aforementioned Hamman matter, Travelers Property Casualty Company of America et al v. Cava Group, Inc. was filed on September 21, 2022 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange and subsequently transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on February 13, 2024. Plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment that it was not liable for insurance coverage in relation to the allegations asserted in the Hamman complaint related to PFAS, as well as recoupment of the Company’s legal costs in the Hamman action. The Company settled the matter and the action was dismissed with prejudice on April 17, 2024. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include an immaterial accrual for the matters above.

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION	EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION The Company recognized equity-based compensation expense of $5.2 million and $1.2 million (including applicable payroll taxes) during the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024 and April 16, 2023, respectively, related to its equity incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan, recorded within general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows: Weighted Average (in thousands except per share amounts) Number Of Options Exercise Price Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding - December 31, 2023 3,078 $ 11.45 6.8 $ 97,054 Granted 7 47.84 Exercised (11) 5.34 Forfeited or expired (15) 12.36 Outstanding - April 21, 2024 3,059 $ 11.55 6.5 $ 147,192 Exercisable - April 21, 2024 1,586 $ 5.02 4.2 Vested and expected to vest - April 21, 2024 3,059 $ 11.55 6.5 $ 147,192 As of April 21, 2024, unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards was $11.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows: (in thousands, except per share amounts) Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Non-vested - December 31, 2023 2,653 $ 12.69 $ 113,985 Granted 18 48.02 Vested (475) 5.88 Forfeited (67) 14.05 Non-vested - April 21, 2024 2,129 $ 14.47 $ 127,025

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards for the period using the treasury-stock method. The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share: Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) April 21, April 16, Net income (loss) $ 13,993 $ (2,141) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 113,972 1,647 Dilutive awards 3,964 — Diluted 117,936 1,647 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.12 $ (1.30) Diluted $ 0.12 $ (1.30) The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as their impact would have been anti-dilutive: Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) April 21, April 16, Options to purchase common stock 4 2,067 Time-based vesting restricted stock units 1 1,776 Preferred stock (as converted to common shares) — 95,204 Total common stock equivalents 5 99,047 During the sixteen weeks ended April 16, 2023, the Company’s potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive in a net loss position.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING The CODM reviews segment performance and allocates resources based upon restaurant level profit, which is defined as segment revenues less food, beverage, and packaging, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses. All segment revenue is earned in the United States, and all intersegment revenues have been eliminated. Sales from external customers are derived principally from sales of food, beverage, and CPG. The Company does not rely on any major customers as sources of sales. As the CODM is not provided with asset information by segment, assets are reported only on a consolidated basis. As described in Note 1 (Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation), the Company no longer operates any Zoes Kitchen locations as of March 2, 2023. Other includes the Company’s CPG sales from CAVA Foods. Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments was as follows: Sixteen Weeks Ended ($ in thousands) April 21, April 16, Revenue CAVA $ 256,290 $ 196,761 Zoes Kitchen — 3,867 Other 2,716 2,455 Total revenue 259,006 203,083 Restaurant operating expenses (1) CAVA 191,674 146,778 Zoes Kitchen — 4,044 Other 1,966 1,697 Total restaurant operating expenses 193,640 152,519 Restaurant-level profit (loss) CAVA 64,616 49,983 Zoes Kitchen — (177) Other 750 758 Total restaurant-level profit 65,366 50,564 Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes: General and administrative expenses 33,840 29,024 Depreciation and amortization 17,322 12,859 Restructuring and other costs 282 2,215 Pre-opening costs 3,379 5,999 Impairment and asset disposal costs 1,290 2,719 Interest (income) expense, net (4,914) 25 Other income, net (78) (174) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 14,245 $ (2,103) __________________

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Income (Loss)	$ 13,993	$ (2,141)

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024 shares
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement	During the sixteen weeks ended April 21, 2024, the following directors and officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K: Name and Title Action Date of Action Scheduled Termination of Trading Period ( * ) Security Covered Maximum Number of Securities to be Sold Pursuant to the Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan David Bosserman Director Adoption March 19, 2024 December 31, 2024 Common Stock 30,000 Tricia Tolivar Chief Financial Officer Adoption April 1, 2024 March 27, 2025 Common Stock 31,506 __________________
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
David Bosserman [Member]
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Name	David Bosserman
Title	Director
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	true
Adoption Date	March 19, 2024
Arrangement Duration	287 days
Aggregate Available	30,000
Tricia Tolivar [Member]
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Name	Tricia Tolivar
Title	Chief Financial Officer
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	true
Adoption Date	April 1, 2024
Arrangement Duration	360 days
Aggregate Available	31,506

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASI_2

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	Interim Financial Statements —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices of the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods have been included.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures , which improves income tax disclosures through enhanced disaggregation within the rate reconciliation table and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures.
JOBS Act Election	JOBS Act Election —In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timing for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies and, as a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis/Non-recurring Basis	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

REVENUE (Tables)

REVENUE (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company’s revenue was as follows : Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) April 21, April 16, Restaurant revenue $ 256,290 $ 200,628 CPG revenue and other 2,716 2,455 Revenue $ 259,006 $ 203,083

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Ta

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table presents the Company’s property and equipment, net: ($ in thousands) April 21, December 31, Land $ 600 $ 600 Building 24,149 — Leasehold improvements 282,620 268,245 Equipment 95,214 78,760 Furniture and fixtures 19,979 19,694 Computer hardware and software 48,989 46,437 Vehicles 508 508 Construction in progress 30,863 58,501 Total property and equipment, gross 502,922 472,745 Less accumulated depreciation (157,227) (142,015) Total property and equipment, net $ 345,695 $ 330,730

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Tab

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	The following table presents the Company’s accrued expenses and other: ($ in thousands) April 21, December 31, Accrued payroll and payroll taxes $ 19,612 $ 23,370 Accrued capital purchases 7,689 7,935 Sales and use tax payable 3,548 3,807 Gift card and loyalty liabilities 3,750 4,096 Other accrued expenses 19,361 20,011 Total accrued expenses and other $ 53,960 $ 59,219

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows: Sixteen Weeks Ended ($ in thousands) April 21, April 16, Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 14,276 $ 11,464 Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 19,531 13,833 Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment 109 2,786

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION (Tabl

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows: Weighted Average (in thousands except per share amounts) Number Of Options Exercise Price Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding - December 31, 2023 3,078 $ 11.45 6.8 $ 97,054 Granted 7 47.84 Exercised (11) 5.34 Forfeited or expired (15) 12.36 Outstanding - April 21, 2024 3,059 $ 11.55 6.5 $ 147,192 Exercisable - April 21, 2024 1,586 $ 5.02 4.2 Vested and expected to vest - April 21, 2024 3,059 $ 11.55 6.5 $ 147,192
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows: (in thousands, except per share amounts) Number of Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Non-vested - December 31, 2023 2,653 $ 12.69 $ 113,985 Granted 18 48.02 Vested (475) 5.88 Forfeited (67) 14.05 Non-vested - April 21, 2024 2,129 $ 14.47 $ 127,025

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tabl

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings (loss) per common share: Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) April 21, April 16, Net income (loss) $ 13,993 $ (2,141) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 113,972 1,647 Dilutive awards 3,964 — Diluted 117,936 1,647 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.12 $ (1.30) Diluted $ 0.12 $ (1.30)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as their impact would have been anti-dilutive: Sixteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) April 21, April 16, Options to purchase common stock 4 2,067 Time-based vesting restricted stock units 1 1,776 Preferred stock (as converted to common shares) — 95,204 Total common stock equivalents 5 99,047

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments was as follows: Sixteen Weeks Ended ($ in thousands) April 21, April 16, Revenue CAVA $ 256,290 $ 196,761 Zoes Kitchen — 3,867 Other 2,716 2,455 Total revenue 259,006 203,083 Restaurant operating expenses (1) CAVA 191,674 146,778 Zoes Kitchen — 4,044 Other 1,966 1,697 Total restaurant operating expenses 193,640 152,519 Restaurant-level profit (loss) CAVA 64,616 49,983 Zoes Kitchen — (177) Other 750 758 Total restaurant-level profit 65,366 50,564 Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes: General and administrative expenses 33,840 29,024 Depreciation and amortization 17,322 12,859 Restructuring and other costs 282 2,215 Pre-opening costs 3,379 5,999 Impairment and asset disposal costs 1,290 2,719 Interest (income) expense, net (4,914) 25 Other income, net (78) (174) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 14,245 $ (2,103) __________________

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASI_3

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		4 Months Ended
	Jun. 20, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 21, 2024 USD ($) restaurant segment state	Apr. 16, 2023 USD ($)
Description Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of restaurants | restaurant		323
Number of states in which entity operates | state		24
Restaurants excluded from restaurant count | restaurant		2
Number of reportable segments | segment		2
Offering expenses		$ 0	$ 1,411
Conversion of preferred stock (in shares) | shares	95,200,000
IPO
Description Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) | shares	16,600,000
Sale of stock (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 22
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$ 22,800
Offering expenses	6,500
Proceeds from IPO	$ 336,100
Over-Allotment Option
Description Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of shares issued in IPO (in shares) | shares	2,200,000

REVENUE - Schedule of Revenue (

REVENUE - Schedule of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 259,006	$ 203,083
Restaurant revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	256,290	200,628
CPG revenue and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 2,716	$ 2,455

REVENUE - Narrative (Details)

REVENUE - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Gift card revenue recognized	$ 0.9	$ 0.4

FAIR VALUE (Details)

FAIR VALUE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Operating lease, impairment loss	$ 109	$ 2,786
Operating lease assets	$ 298,798		$ 289,451
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Operating lease, impairment loss		700
Operating lease assets		$ 400

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET - S

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET - Schedule of PP&E (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	$ 502,922	$ 472,745
Less accumulated depreciation	(157,227)	(142,015)
Total property and equipment, net	345,695	330,730
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	600	600
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	24,149	0
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	282,620	268,245
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	95,214	78,760
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	19,979	19,694
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	48,989	46,437
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	508	508
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, gross	$ 30,863	$ 58,501

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Det

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$ 19,612	$ 23,370
Accrued capital purchases	7,689	7,935
Sales and use tax payable	3,548	3,807
Gift card and loyalty liabilities	3,750	4,096
Other accrued expenses	19,361	20,011
Total accrued expenses and other	$ 53,960	$ 59,219

DEBT - Narrative (Details)

DEBT - Narrative (Details)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024 USD ($)
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument term (in years)	5 years
Borrowings outstanding	$ 0
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Minimum | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread (in percentage)	1.50%
2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Maximum | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread (in percentage)	2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | 2022 Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 74,300,000
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of letters of credit	700,000
Secured Debt | Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 24,000,000
Secured Debt | Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ticking fee (in percent)	0.20%
Secured Debt | Delayed Draw Facility | Line of Credit | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ticking fee (in percent)	0.35%

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (in percent)	1.80%	(1.80%)

LEASES - Narrative (Details)

LEASES - Narrative (Details)	Apr. 21, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Term of contract (in years)	10 years
Renewal term (in years)	5 years

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities	$ 14,276	$ 11,464
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	19,531	13,833
Derecognition of operating lease assets due to termination or impairment	$ 109	$ 2,786

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 21, 2024 USD ($) letters_of_credit	Dec. 31, 2023 letters_of_credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of irrevocable letters of credit | letters_of_credit	4	4
Letter of Credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of letters of credit | $	$ 0.7

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Nar

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
2015 And 2023 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 5.2	$ 1.2
Options to purchase common stock
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards	$ 11.4
Vesting period (in years)	3 years 7 months 6 days
Time-based vesting restricted stock units
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years 2 months 12 days
Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs	$ 24.6

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Sch

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Number Of Options
Beginning Balance (in shares)	3,078,000
Granted (in shares)	7,000
Exercised (in shares)	(11,000)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(15,000)
Ending Balance (in shares)	3,059,000	3,078,000
Exercise Price
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Beginning Balance (in $ per share)	$ 11.45
Options granted, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share)	47.84
Options exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share)	5.34
Options forfeited or expired, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share)	12.36
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price per share - Ending Balance (in $ per share)	$ 11.55	$ 11.45
Stock Options Additional Disclosures
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 9 months 18 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value (in USD)	$ 147,192	$ 97,054
Options exercisable, Number of options (in shares)	1,586,000
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share)	$ 5.02
Options exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]
Options vested and expected to vest (in shares)	3,059,000
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price per share (in $ per share)	$ 11.55
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years 6 months
Options vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value (in USD)	$ 147,192

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - S_2

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Restricted Stock (Details) - Time-based vesting restricted stock units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Unvested Restricted Stock Outstanding
Beginning balance (in shares)	2,653,000
Granted (in shares)	18,000
Vested (in shares)	(475,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(67,000)
Ending balance (in shares)	2,129,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning Balance ($ per share)	$ 12.69
Granted, Weighted average grant date fair value ($ per share)	48.02
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value ($ per share)	5.88
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value ($ per share)	14.05
Outstanding, Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending Balance ($ per share)	$ 14.47
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 127,025	$ 113,985

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Sch

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,993	$ (2,141)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	113,972	1,647
Dilutive awards	3,964	0
Diluted	117,936	1,647
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.12	$ (1.30)
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.12	$ (1.30)

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - S_2

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Schedule of Antidilutive Shares (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	5	99,047
Options to purchase common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	4	2,067
Time-based vesting restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	1	1,776
Preferred stock (as converted to common shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total common stock equivalents	0	95,204

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 21, 2024	Apr. 16, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 259,006	$ 203,083
Total restaurant operating expenses	193,640	152,519
Total restaurant-level profit	65,366	50,564
Reconciliation of restaurant-level profit to income (loss) before income taxes:
General and administrative expenses	33,840	29,024
Depreciation and amortization	17,322	12,859
Restructuring and other costs	282	2,215
Pre-opening costs	3,379	5,999
Impairment and asset disposal costs	1,290	2,719
Interest (income) expense, net	(4,914)	25
Other income, net	(78)	(174)
Income (loss) before income taxes	14,245	(2,103)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,716	2,455
Total restaurant operating expenses	1,966	1,697
Total restaurant-level profit	750	758
CAVA | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	256,290	196,761
Total restaurant operating expenses	191,674	146,778
Total restaurant-level profit	64,616	49,983
Zoes Kitchen | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	3,867
Total restaurant operating expenses	0	4,044
Total restaurant-level profit	$ 0	$ (177)