Cava opened its doors Monday at 9711 Sawmill Parkway in Liberty Township, giving the Powell area its first location of the fast-growing Mediterranean chain and bringing an estimated 25 to 40 jobs to the corridor.

The restaurant is Cava's fourth central Ohio location in roughly four months. The Maryland-based company entered the Columbus market in April with a Hilliard Rome Road location, then added spots near Polaris Fashion Place in May and in Grove City in June before landing on Sawmill Parkway.

That's four stores in four months.

Regional director Gino Carlin said in a statement that the company is "thrilled to be in Powell and continue growing our presence in the Columbus area."

The location, in Suite H of the Sawmill Parkway shopping center, will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to NBC4. A Community Day event kicked off Monday morning with shortened hours of 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., following a Friends & Family preview held Aug. 9.

Cava's menu features customizable bowls and pita wraps with proteins like chicken, falafel, steak or salmon over greens, rice or lentils, plus dips including hummus, tzatziki and harissa.

The chain, founded in 2010, reported in spring 2026 that it operates 459 restaurants nationwide. Two more central Ohio locations are in the pipeline: one at 1603 W. Lane Ave. in Upper Arlington, expected to open sometime in 2026, and another at 1870 N. High St. near Ohio State's campus with no announced timeline.

Powell-area residents can visit Cava at 9711 Sawmill Parkway, Suite H, starting at 10:30 a.m. daily.