After permits revealed Cava coming to Polaris, chain planning another local spot

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – Earlier this summer, documents filed with the City of Columbus revealed Cava plans to open in Polaris. Now, permits show the fast-casual Mediterranean chain is working toward launching another central Ohio location.

Cava is coming to 1790 Hilliard Rome Road, according to city permits filed last week. The national brand plans to remodel the building in the Hilliard Green neighborhood, which housed a Skyline Chili that closed in February.

In June, Cava filed permits with the city to open its first Ohio location at 1370 Polaris Parkway, in a retail strip just outside Polaris Fashion Place. The address formerly housed a Shake Shack, which shuttered in September. 

Cava offers customizable Mediterranean bowls and pita wraps, featuring meat, falafel, greens, pita crisps and vegetables, along with dips such as hummus, tzatziki and roasted eggplant. 

It also features premade options such as the falafel crunch bowl, which consists of falafel, basmati rice, hummus, black lentils, feta dip, cucumbers, pickled onions, cabbage slaw, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pita crisps and a spicy, herb-packed sauce.

Founded in Maryland in 2010, Cava has spread to more than 400 locations across 28 states. The chain is growing and has averaged an opening of about one restaurant per week across the country during the first quarter of 2025.

NBC4 reached out to Cava to confirm the Hilliard location and to obtain more information. A spokesperson with the company said it does intend to open in the "Columbus area" in 2026, but cannot "confirm any other specifics or a time frame at this point."