CAVA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

CAVA has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, legal compliance, and team management.

Focused on scaling Mediterranean culinary experiences, CAVA prioritizes fresh ingredient transparency and digital accessibility to redefine fast-casual dining standards across the United States through both restaurant locations and retail grocery partnerships.

Leadership Roles at CAVA

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Brett Schulman
  • Chief Operations Officer - Doug Thompson
  • Chief Legal Officer - Joseph Kadow
  • Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer - Amit Patel
  • Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer - Eva Seif
  • Team Captain - Abdo Sayed
  • Brett Schulman - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Brett Schulman, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at CAVA, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory for the Mediterranean restaurant chain. Schulman architects the expansion of the brand across the United States, balancing the growth of fast-casual dining locations with the development of retail channels for dips and spreads. By integrating digital infrastructure with physical restaurant operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the customer experience remains consistent and high-quality. Schulman collaborates with the Board to align corporate objectives with market demands for fresh, customizable food. This leadership role involves driving operational efficiency while maintaining the core culinary philosophy of the brand. Brett Schulman maintains a focus on scaling the business model to reach new consumers in diverse markets. Through constant innovation in food service and retail distribution, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the company within the hospitality industry.
    Brett Schulman

    Doug Thompson - Chief Operations Officer

    Doug Thompson, the Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, manages the daily execution of restaurant workflows and supply chain logistics across the national footprint. Thompson optimizes the preparation of Mediterranean bowls and plates, ensuring that every location adheres to strict quality and transparency standards. Overseeing the integration of mobile ordering platforms, the Chief Operations Officer streamlines the pickup and delivery processes to maximize throughput. Doug Thompson coordinates with regional managers to maintain operational consistency, driving efficiency in high-volume environments. This role requires constant monitoring of ingredient sourcing and kitchen performance to support the brand's fast-casual promise. By refining operational protocols, Thompson improves the speed of service while upholding the culinary traditions central to the company. The Chief Operations Officer focuses on scaling these processes to support the rapid growth of the restaurant chain, ensuring that operational excellence remains a primary driver of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
    Joseph Kadow, the Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, directs all corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management initiatives for the organization. Kadow architects the legal framework supporting the company's expansion into retail grocery partnerships and new restaurant markets. Overseeing complex contract negotiations and intellectual property protection, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the brand's Mediterranean culinary philosophy remains legally secure. Joseph Kadow advises the executive team on legislative developments impacting the hospitality industry, providing guidance on labor laws and food safety regulations. This leadership role involves managing external counsel and internal legal teams to mitigate operational risks. By establishing robust compliance programs, Kadow supports the sustainable growth of the business. The Chief Legal Officer maintains a focus on protecting the company's assets while facilitating strategic partnerships that extend the reach of the brand into home cooking contexts, ultimately ensuring that all business activities align with corporate standards and legal requirements.
    Amit Patel, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, manages specialized legal functions related to corporate transactions and operational compliance. Patel architects strategies for navigating the regulatory landscape of the fast-casual restaurant sector, focusing on the intersection of food service and retail distribution. Amit Patel supports the Chief Legal Officer by overseeing the legal aspects of digital platform integration, ensuring that online ordering systems comply with data privacy and consumer protection laws. This role involves drafting and reviewing agreements that govern the supply chain and grocery store partnerships. By providing granular legal oversight, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company maintains operational agility while adhering to strict industry standards. Patel drives the implementation of internal policies that safeguard the brand's reputation. Through meticulous attention to legal detail, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer facilitates the smooth execution of strategic initiatives across the national market.
    Eva Seif, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, directs legal efforts concerning employment law, human resources compliance, and internal corporate policy. Seif architects frameworks that govern the workforce across the company's extensive network of restaurants, ensuring alignment with regional and national labor standards. Eva Seif collaborates with the leadership team to address the legal complexities of scaling a fast-casual workforce while maintaining the brand's unique culture. This role involves managing litigation risks and providing counsel on workplace safety and employee relations. By standardizing legal procedures for personnel management, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer supports the operational stability of the restaurant chain. Seif focuses on proactive risk mitigation, allowing the company to grow its team efficiently. Through the development of comprehensive legal guidelines, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization remains compliant with evolving labor regulations while fostering a productive environment for all staff members.

    Abdo Sayed - Team Captain

    Abdo Sayed, the Team Captain at CAVA, directs the front-line execution of the customer experience within the restaurant environment. Sayed architects the daily workflow for team members, ensuring that the preparation of Mediterranean bowls and plates meets the high standards of the brand. Abdo Sayed oversees the implementation of digital order fulfillment, coordinating between the kitchen staff and the mobile ordering platform to ensure accuracy and speed. This role involves training staff on ingredient transparency and customer service protocols to maintain the brand's reputation for quality. By fostering a culture of efficiency and hospitality, the Team Captain drives customer satisfaction at the point of service. Sayed manages the daily operational challenges of the restaurant, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the company's broader mission. Through hands-on leadership, the Team Captain ensures that every guest receives a consistent and high-quality dining experience, directly contributing to the success of the restaurant location.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CAVA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CAVA?
    CAVA is led by Brett Schulman (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Doug Thompson (Chief Operations Officer) and Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal Officer).
    Who is part of CAVA’s executive team?
    The executive team of CAVA includes leaders such as Brett Schulman (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Doug Thompson (Chief Operations Officer), Joseph Kadow (Chief Legal Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CAVA have?
    CAVA has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CAVA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CAVA includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer, Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer.