CAVA, the trailblazing Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand known for redefining what it means to eat fresh, bold, and flavorful food, is turning up the heat with a brand-new menu addition. Beginning Monday, September 8, the brand is rolling out Chicken Shawarma, a beloved Mediterranean street food, to restaurants nationwide. Available for a limited time, the dish will be featured in both chef-curated creations and customizable pita and bowl options, offering guests a taste of tradition with a distinctly modern CAVA twist.
A Modern Take on a Mediterranean Classic
Shawarma is one of the most iconic dishes across the Mediterranean, popular in cities and villages from Beirut to Istanbul to Cairo. Traditionally prepared by stacking marinated meats on a vertical spit and roasting them slowly until tender and juicy, shawarma embodies the essence of communal street food: flavorful, aromatic, and endlessly customizable.
CAVA’s new Chicken Shawarma stays true to those roots while incorporating the brand’s signature approach to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their version is made with all-white meat chicken breasts, marinated in a proprietary blend of Mediterranean spices, hand-stacked on a spit, roasted until golden, and shaved thin. The result is a protein option that is both familiar and unique—rich with cultural heritage but designed to seamlessly complement CAVA’s existing menu.
Ted Xenohristos, Co-founder and Chief Concept Officer at CAVA, emphasized the balance between tradition and innovation in introducing this dish. “Our culinary philosophy is about balancing heritage, vibrant flavors, and innovation,” he explained. “Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Mediterranean staple rooted in tradition, and we’ve crafted it to deliver the bold and delicious flavors that define the CAVA experience.”
Chef-Curated Dishes Featuring Chicken Shawarma
To celebrate the arrival of Chicken Shawarma, CAVA is spotlighting two new chef-curated menu items. These creations highlight the versatility of shawarma while showcasing CAVA’s signature combinations of textures, colors, and flavors:
- Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl: Inspired by Mediterranean street carts, this hearty bowl combines chicken shawarma with red pepper hummus, Crazy Feta®, corn, tomato and cucumber salad, pickled onions, fiery broccoli, and arugula, all served over saffron basmati rice. The bowl is finished with skhug, a spicy Mediterranean condiment, and CAVA’s classic garlic dressing, creating a powerful flavor experience that is both satisfying and balanced.
- Chicken Shawarma Pita: Perfect for those who crave handheld convenience, this pita layers chicken shawarma with hummus, tomato and onion, shredded romaine, and a double dose of pickled vegetables (salt-brined pickles and pickled onions, dubbed “Double Pickle Power”). Garlic dressing and lemon herb tahini complete the wrap, ensuring every bite is packed with zest, crunch, and tang.
These chef-inspired dishes serve as a gateway for guests who may be new to shawarma, while also allowing longtime fans of the dish to experience it in a fresh, CAVA-forward way. For those who prefer a more personalized meal, Chicken Shawarma can also be added to any build-your-own pita or bowl, allowing for endless combinations of proteins, bases, toppings, and sauces.
Bringing Shawarma to the Streets
To further celebrate the launch and connect directly with its community, CAVA is taking its Chicken Shawarma on the road. The brand is hosting a multi-city Shawarma Food Truck Tour, bringing mini Chicken Shawarma Pitas to shawarma lovers in some of the nation’s most vibrant cities. This initiative not only introduces the new menu item in a fun, interactive way but also underscores the communal, street-food origins of shawarma itself.
The Shawarma Truck Tour will stop at:
- Monday, September 8 – New York City
- Friday, September 12 – Washington, D.C.
- Wednesday, September 17 – Atlanta
- Monday, September 22 – Dallas
By bringing its new offering directly to busy city streets, CAVA highlights its mission of accessibility and community engagement. Whether guests are discovering shawarma for the first time or reliving fond memories of enjoying the dish abroad, the tour provides a unique, flavorful experience.
Staying True to CAVA’s Mission
For CAVA, menu innovation is always more than just adding a new flavor—it’s about staying rooted in the brand’s mission to deliver food that brings “heart, health, and humanity” to every meal. Brett Schulman, Co-founder and CEO of CAVA, noted how the introduction of Chicken Shawarma fits naturally within that mission.
“We’re excited to bring guests our unique take on Chicken Shawarma, a classic dish from the Levant region of the Mediterranean,” Schulman said. “Introducing this new all-white-meat chicken breast option is a natural addition to our menu. It helps to deliver on our mission to bring heart, health, and humanity to food while staying true to our Mediterranean roots.”
This philosophy extends beyond menu items. By incorporating bold flavors inspired by authentic Mediterranean traditions while ensuring the highest standards of sourcing and preparation, CAVA continues to redefine what fast-casual dining can mean for modern eaters.
Connecting with Fans Through Rewards and Social
In today’s digital-first world, CAVA is also ensuring its fans stay connected beyond the restaurant. Guests interested in following the Shawarma Truck Tour or learning about new menu launches are encouraged to follow CAVA on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Additionally, the CAVA Rewards Program allows customers to earn perks and stay up to date with new offerings. By signing up at cava.com or downloading the CAVA app, fans can be the first to know about limited-time items like Chicken Shawarma, seasonal favorites, and other exciting innovations.
A Flavorful Step Forward
The addition of Chicken Shawarma is more than just another protein option—it’s a continuation of CAVA’s broader mission to celebrate Mediterranean cuisine while making it accessible to a wide audience. The dish embodies the brand’s commitment to bold flavors, cultural authenticity, and customer-centric innovation.
From chef-curated creations to customizable options, and from street food trucks to in-store dining, CAVA is making sure this launch resonates with both longtime fans of Mediterranean cuisine and newcomers eager to try something fresh and exciting. With Chicken Shawarma now on the menu, CAVA guests have yet another reason to explore the vibrant world of Mediterranean flavors, one bowl or pita at a time.
