Tuesday, February 7, 2023

[UPDATE] Cava Closes Two More Zoes Kitchen Restaurants, Files to Go Public

In recent weeks three more Zoes Kitchen restaurants in metro Atlanta have shuttered leaving the chain with just two in the state: Emory and Peachtree City.  The closures, done to make way for conversions to parent company Cava, leave the chain with just thirteen locations nationwide.  The remaining two Atlanta area locations are slated to be converted in the coming months after those in Duluth and Snellville reopen as Cava.  

When Cava purchased then publicly traded Zoes Kitchen in 2018, Cava had just 66 locations while Zoes operated 268.  Today, following dozens of conversions (and a few completely new units), Cava numbers about 330 restaurants throughout 24 states.

ToNeTo Atlanta reported in January that the Cassimus family - Marcus & Zoe and their son John - will reopen one of the original Zoes in the Birmingham suburb of Crestline.  We have been in touch with the Cassimus family regularly and were most recently told that they hope to reopen the week of February 15.  Amazingly, Zoe, now in her 80s, is "thrilled" to be back in the kitchen and back at work!  As of now, the Crestline location will, as of later this year, be the only remaining Zoes in existence, but the family heard loud and clear the calls from fans to open more Zoes.  

In other news, Cava announced Monday that it had confidentially submitted its "draft registration statement" to go public.  The plan, which did not reveal a total number of shares to be offered or the price range for the proposed offering, could mark the first restaurant IPO (Initial Public Offering) of 2023.  If Cava moves forward, it would join other quick-serve restaurant brands on the public market including Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG), Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK), and Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG), among others.  

Do you miss Zoes Kitchen?  Are you already planning a visit to Birmingham to experience the "original" Zoes Kitchen?  If Zoes does make a return to Atlanta, where would you most like to see them open?

Please share your thoughts below. 

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Open the Peachtree corners

Anonymous said...

We enjoyed Zoe's and noted a decline in food quality and service each hit or miss.

As to visiting again, will take a wait and see approach.

Not interested in the IPO for Cava. Product is not time tested, an dining experience has been less than good.

Anonymous said...

I hate to see this. I love Zoe's and the chocolate cake is so good. The food is fresh and no fryers or microwaves

Anonymous said...

I'm very disappointed to see Zoe's close, particularly when the CAVA concept won't offer any of the old menu favorites of the Zoe's chain.

I already eat salad and power bowls at home. When I'm splurging on a meal out, this is not something I'm remotely interested in getting.

I guess I'll have to find a different Mediterranean or Greek place to scratch that itch. The CAVA concept is just not something I'm remotely interested in.

Anonymous said...

Does CAVA make the chocolate cake, and if not, then why not?

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