Cava Rewards: We Unpack these Pita Points
Cava is one of the fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands in the U.S., with over 350 locations nationwide. Often compared to Chipotle—just swap the burrito bowls for Mediterranean bowls and pita chips—it brings its own spin to scene. In late 2024, Cava launched its latest iteration of Cava Rewards, which bears a striking resemblance to Chipotle’s program. But as we learned from our Chipotle review, that may not be a good thing. The Mediterranean is known for its beauty—does this loyalty program shine just as bright, or is it just another mirage in the loyalty desert?
Image Credit: Shutterstock
How it works:
Cava Rewards is a free program running digitally via their app or website. Customer earn 10 points per $1 when they transact as a member (online logged in, mobile order, or app scan in store). Cava mentions promotions and challenges, however there were none active during our review period.
As we will continue to stress in all of our reviews, do not get enamored with point tallies. Whether you have 100 points or 100,000 points, the only thing that matter is what those points get you.
Like their menu, Cava keeps their reward chart simple (we like this) offering only 6 redemption categories which covers their entire menu.
What’s the value?
(When we calculate “return value”, we mean how much you got free relative to how much you had to spend. For example, if a redemption gives 10% return value, it means for every $100 spent in earning points, you got $10 worth in free redemption.)
Here at RorR we believe a strong return value for QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) reward programs should at least be in the 8%-10% at minimum. However, with rising food cost, many programs (hello again, Chipotle), have been slowly squeezing customers—offering less bang for your loyalty buck.
We assumed an average Cava order is ~$20 per visit (being generous), and here’s what we found:
· After 2-3 visits, you can redeem for a fountain drink, pita chips, or dessert. The return value ranges from 9% for the soda (solid) to 6% for the latter two (meh). Oh, and the free chips don’t include dip. Who eats a pita chip plain?
· Want a free bowl or pita? Be prepared to drop $180 (~9 trips) before you earn one. If you pick the priciest menu items, you can squeeze out a 10% return, which is good.
· There’s a 50% off Bowl or Pita reward that requires fewer points. But honestly? Don’t bother—just hold out for the full freebie as the return value is not great.
Major downside: Cava copied Chipotle’s worst fine-print rule—you can’t stack rewards. If you have enough points for a free bowl and a free drink, tough luck. You can only use one reward per checkout. This is stingy and reduces the program’s value.
Who Benefits Most?
· If you visit Cava 1-2x a week, expect a free drink or chips every few weeks—but you’ll be waiting over a month for a free entrée.
· Casual visitors (once a month or less)—this program probably isn’t worth tracking unless you’re chasing limited-time promos.
· Mediterranean diehards (2x+ per week)—you’ll get value back, but not as much or as fast as you might hope. With promos and challenges (if they exist) you’ll get there faster.
Ease of Use
Cava’s app is super easy to use for ordering, tracking points and redeeming rewards. You control when to convert points, which is always a plus. Also, the app keeps tabs on promotions, which might help make up for the lack of frequent bonus offers.
🕵️♂️ ANY Fine Print?
· Good news: If you buy multiple entrées, the reward applies to the most expensive one.
· More good news: Cava catering is eligible for point earning. Treat your whole corporate team!
· Maybe bad news: There’s a cap on entrée rewards—$17.70 for bowls/pitas, $7.70 for kids’ meals. Anything pricier? You’re paying the difference.
· Must be 18+ to join (sorry, kids).
· Points expire after 6 months of inactivity (most programs allow 12 months—slightly restrictive).
· Once converted, rewards expire in 60 days.
And, again, you CANNOT stack rewards (sigh)
THE VERDICT:
From an earn/burn perspective the main entrees, Bowls and Pita’s, have the better return value (7%-10%) which is good news. But it will still take ~9 trips to earn enough to redeem. And we (for the third time) will complain about the inability to reward stack.
If you are a 2x+ week visitor to Cava we recommend the program for its simplicity and ability to earn enough to redeem more frequently. Anything less than that we wouldn’t see huge value, but as with most QSR’s, it could be worth it to take advantage of sporadic deals and promotions.
Rewarded or Robbed?
2x+ per week Cava customer: ⭐ REWARDED!
<2x per week Cava customer: Feeling 🚫 ROBBED!
Leave us a comment! Do you agree or disagree? Any further tips about Cava Rewards?
