If you haven’t heard of Cava, you honestly might be alone. Think Chipotle, but Mediterranean. Think Brassica, but different but still kind of the same but also kind of better (sorry, Brassica, I still love you)?

I recently dined at Cava while vacationing during winter break. I got a bowl with saffron rice, arugula, lamb, a plethora of vegetables, and many other various sauces and toppings. I also got a blueberry mint drink and garlic ranch pita chips. The bowl had a nice contrast of textures and tastes, which all melded together to develop a symphony of flavor that performed across my tongue. The drink and pita chips were also very nice. I was OBSESSED. 

The results clearly indicate I’m not alone. The fast casual restaurant has rapidly expanded to be among the largest Mediterranean food franchises in the United States, boasting over 300 franchise locations across the country, from Arizona to Arkansas. Yet notably, Cava has yet to open any restaurants in our state of Ohio. I’d like to make a case for Cava coming to Columbus. 

Of course, I think every Ohioan should have the opportunity to try Cava. I’m not saying people living in places like Youngstown or Steubenville are less worthy of fresh and delicious fast casual Mediterranean. That being said, Columbus has a few qualities I think would be appealing to the restaurant chain.

First, Columbus and its corresponding metropolitan area have been rapidly expanding. While Ohio’s population growth has become increasingly stagnant, its capital city’s has not. In fact, according to an article published by The Columbus Dispatch in March of last year, Central Ohio has been leading the entire state in population growth. 

Columbus is also home to The Ohio State University, whose ample droves of young people already support many fast casual restaurants. Another similar chain, Sweetgreen, has already opened a location in the Short North. Other restaurants on Ohio State’s campus include Chipotle, Noodles, and Five Guys.

If anyone from Cava happened to stumble upon this, PLEASE. I AM BEGGING. Consider my pleas. Thank you. And to everyone else, I think it’s obvious that Cava is just the addition Columbus needs.