# Fast Casual Mediterranean Restaurants Cava Grill Offers Customizable Salads and Grain Bowls By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2017-03-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cava-grill References: [ny.eater](http://ny.eater.com/2016/8/26/12661766/cava-grill-nyc-union-square) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cavagrill) The DC-based chain [Cava Grill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cava-spicy-lamb) recently made its debut in New York City to the delight of hungry consumers. Known for its [customizable salads and grain bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-the-greek-salads), the fast casual outlet gives consumers a delicious new way to enjoy all their favorite Mediterranean dishes. Cava Grill is a fast causal restaurant that offers soups, salads, pitas and grain bowls. The menu is almost entirely customizable, with the option to chose a base, up to three dips and spreads, a serving of protein, a handful of toppings and a dressing to finish. The format is similar to [Chipotle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farmesa) in that customers have the power to create a dish that suits their specific taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Moreover, because the dishes are made-to-order, consumers can enjoy a completely customized meal without the need to wait. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Customizable Fast Casual Dining:** The trend of customizable fast casual dining offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the restaurant industry, allowing consumers to create personalized meals that cater to their individual preferences and dietary restrictions. - **Mediterranean Cuisine:** The growing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the food industry, as it allows for unique reinterpretations and fusion with other culinary traditions. - **Made-to-order Food:** The rise of made-to-order food options provides disruptive innovation opportunities in the fast casual restaurant sector, allowing for fresher and more customizable dining experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Casual Dining:** The fast casual dining industry can benefit from disruptive innovation by offering customizable and made-to-order options that cater to the preferences and needs of modern consumers. - **Restaurant Industry:** The restaurant industry can embrace disruptive innovation by incorporating customizable dining concepts and offering diverse Mediterranean cuisine to attract and satisfy a wider range of customers. - **Food Industry:** The food industry can explore disruptive innovation through the promotion and popularization of Mediterranean cuisine, combining it with other culinary traditions to create unique and appealing dining options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [New Year Menu Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cava-spicy-lamb.md) - [Mediterranean-Style Shawarma Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cava-chicken-shawarma.md) - [Guest-Crafted Salad Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guest-custom-contest.md) - [Customizable Mediterranean Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kypelos.md) - [Platform-Exclusive Salad Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mediterranean-mezze-bowl.md) - [Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-harissa-pita-chips.md) - [Mediterranean-Inspired Pita Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-ranch-pita-chips.md) - [Griddle-Finished Baked Falafels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/griddlefinished-baked-falafel.md) - [Mediterranean Cuisine Steak Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mediterranean-steak-bowl.md)