I remember the days when walking into a Chipotle at lunchtime meant facing long lines that extended to the back of the restaurant. Tackling the crazy crowds was worth it because the fresh-Mex chain was an exciting concept in its heyday.
It offered giant foil-wrapped burritos, created your way in a walk-along setup like Subway. Foodies looking for healthier options were attracted to Chipotle's nontraditional burrito ingredients, such as brown rice, non-fried black or brown beans, and grilled vegetables.
I know. I talk as if the 30-year-old chain is dead. Far from it. Chipotle is still wildly popular, having scaled to more than 3,250 restaurants in the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Germany.
But Chipotle isn't the darling of the ball anymore. Newcomer Cava, a Mediterranean fast-casual concept, is now turning heads and stealing the hearts of Gen X diners. Cava, billed as a Mediterranean version of Chipotle, went public in June and is red hot.
I've visited Cava several times over the past year. On each visit, lines at lunch and dinner snake to the back of the restaurant and wrap around the dining room. According to a viral video by a TikTok influencer, Chipotle "doesn't hit the way it used to" with fans.
So, I set out to compare Cava and Chipotle in a head-to-head battle. To keep it simple, I compared Chipotle's burritos and bowls to Cava's pitas and bowls.
It was a tight race. Ultimately, fate helped me crown a champion. Here's what I discovered.
(Note: Prices reflect purchases made at Chipotle and Cava stores in Orange County, California. Prices may vary where you live.)