By 1808Delaware
At 1370 Polaris Parkway, just across from Polaris Fashion Place, the former Shake Shack space is in the process of being transformed into CAVA, a Mediterranean eatery that has grown exponentially over the last 15 years.
The location’s debut is set for later this spring or in the first half of 2026.
Polaris may be the local headline, but it is clearly part of a broader plan. Two more locations are already lined up, one at 1790 Hilliard Rome Road and another at 4120 Buckeye Parkway in Grove City. Central Ohio has long been a reliable market for fast-casual dining, especially concepts that let people tailor what they eat without slowing things down, something that will be expanded with a new flavor.
What You Actually Get on the Menu
If you’ve been through a Chipotle line, the format will feel familiar. You move down the counter, make your choices, and end up with a bowl or pita built around what you like.
Where CAVA separates itself is in the flavor profile. The menu leans Mediterranean, with ingredients like hummus, feta, olives, pickled onions, and a range of sauces that add more depth than heat. There are ready-made options if you don’t want to think too hard about it. Bowls like the Falafel Crunch or Spicy Lamb give you a starting point. But most people will likely build their own, mixing grains or greens with grilled chicken, falafel, or lamb meatballs, then layering on toppings.
The CAVA Story
Childhood friends Ike Grigoropoulos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ted Xenohristos grew up among Greek food and community, spending every Sunday around a table of slow-roasted lamb, lemony roasted potatoes, and bowls of tzatziki. They began CAVA with one restaurant only 16 years ago, and now have 400 locations across the US. They emphasize that food is about culture, connection, and relationships.
For a look at their innovative menu visit this link.
The chain also features a points and reward system with its own set of status levels and a corresponding app.. To them, it’s a “a Mediterranean membership.”
