CAVA Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

CAVA has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, legal, and team leadership.

Driven by a commitment to fresh, customizable dining, CAVA is dedicated to bringing Mediterranean flavors to customers nationwide through its fast-casual restaurants and expanding retail presence, fostering a culture of transparency and culinary excellence.

Leadership Roles at CAVA

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Brett Schulman
  • Chief Operations Officer - Doug Thompson
  • 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 strategy and vision for the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant chain. Schulman guides the company's expansion across the United States, focusing on delivering fresh, customizable dining experiences. Overseeing the integration of both restaurant operations and retail product lines, Schulman ensures alignment with the core mission of providing high-quality, transparently sourced Mediterranean food. This leadership role involves driving innovation in menu development and customer engagement, leveraging digital platforms for enhanced ordering and delivery services. Brett Schulman's strategic direction supports the company's market impact by extending its culinary philosophy into home cooking through grocery partnerships. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of operational excellence and sustainable growth, ensuring CAVA maintains its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector.
    Brett Schulman

    Doug Thompson - Chief Operations Officer

    Doug Thompson, the Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, executes the operational framework for the company's nationwide restaurant chain. Thompson oversees all aspects of daily restaurant functions, ensuring the consistent delivery of fresh, customizable Mediterranean meals to customers. This leadership position involves optimizing supply chain logistics and in-restaurant processes to maintain high standards of quality and efficiency across all locations. The Chief Operations Officer drives initiatives to enhance the customer experience through seamless order fulfillment and service, directly supporting CAVA's fast-casual model. Doug Thompson's operational oversight is critical for scaling the business effectively, managing resource allocation, and ensuring adherence to food safety and preparation protocols. By focusing on operational excellence, Thompson contributes significantly to the company's ability to meet growing demand and expand its market reach.
    Amit Patel, the Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, provides critical legal counsel and strategic guidance for the restaurant chain's operations. Patel oversees a range of legal matters, including corporate governance, compliance, and risk management, ensuring the company operates within all regulatory frameworks across the United States. This role involves supporting business development initiatives, such as retail expansion and digital platform enhancements, by navigating complex legal landscapes. The Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer works closely with executive leadership to safeguard the company's interests and uphold its commitment to transparency and quality. Amit Patel's expertise is essential for managing legal aspects of CAVA's growth strategy, including contract negotiations and intellectual property protection, thereby contributing to the company's stable and compliant market presence.
    Eva Seif, the Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer at CAVA, supports the legal department's functions, contributing to the company's adherence to legal standards and corporate policies. Seif assists in managing various legal affairs, including employment law, litigation, and regulatory compliance, crucial for a nationwide restaurant operator. This position involves collaborating with internal teams to mitigate legal risks and ensure all business practices align with federal and state regulations. The Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer plays a part in the legal review of operational procedures and customer-facing policies, reinforcing CAVA's commitment to a trustworthy brand image. Eva Seif's contributions are vital for maintaining the legal integrity of the company as it expands its reach through both physical locations and retail partnerships.

    Abdo Sayed - Team Captain

    Abdo Sayed, the Team Captain at CAVA, leads and motivates on-site teams within the restaurant environment, embodying the company's dedication to fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Sayed directly oversees daily operations at the team level, ensuring efficient service and the meticulous preparation of customizable bowls and plates. This role is fundamental to maintaining the high standards of quality and customer engagement that define CAVA's fast-casual dining experience. The Team Captain fosters a positive work environment, guiding team members in upholding CAVA's culinary philosophy and operational procedures. Abdo Sayed's hands-on leadership ensures that customers receive exceptional service and delicious food, directly contributing to the brand's reputation and customer satisfaction across its locations.

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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 Amit Patel (Vice President - Senior Associate 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), Amit Patel (Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CAVA have?
    CAVA has 5 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, Vice President - Senior Associate Chief Legal Officer, Vice President, Associate Chief Legal Officer, Team Captain.