Rittenhouse’s New Mediterranean Eatery Opens This Week With Free Food

Cava, the Washington, D.C.-based Mediterranean chain with hundreds of locations across the country, is opening its first Pennsylvania eatery, right in Rittenhouse. The new Cava, at 1713 Chestnut Street, is one of two Philly-area locations; a second will open this summer outside the city in Suburban Square, the outdoor mall in Ardmore.

When Cava first announced it was working on a Philly restaurant, it promised to kick things off with a day of free food. That day is Wednesday, January 23: Cava will give out free lunches between 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. and free dinners between 5 and 7 p.m. The restaurant will also be taking donations for The Food Trust.

Cava opens with regular hours, 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., starting Thursday, January 24.

So what can you expect when you stop in for a free meal? Cava is a counter-service spot with build-your-own salads, grain bowls, and pitas, in combinations like saffron basmati rice topped with spicy lamb meatballs, crumbled feta, and roasted red pepper hummus.

Here’s what your table could look like if you order one of everything:

Cava [official photo]

The Rittenhouse location is 2,300 square feet with seats for 29 diners. Its joins dozens of food options in the neighborhood, ranging from other fast-casual eateries to sit-down dinner destinations.

Cava’s nationwide expansion was given a quick boost when the company bought another Mediterranean fast-casual chain, Zoe’s Kitchen.

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• Cava Is Acquiring Another Mediterranean Fast-Casual Chain [Eater DC]