Fast Casual Nation

No tips, higher wages, low prices: How CAVA's Brett Schulman is rewriting the restaurant playbook

Join hosts Paul Barron and Cheryl Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating today's challenging restaurant landscape.

January 15, 2026

Join hosts Paul Barron and Cheryl Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating today's challenging restaurant landscape.

Schulman reveals why CAVA eliminated digital tipping while paying workers top wages, how the brand has achieved 20% traffic growth while competitors struggle, and his strategy of keeping menu prices 50% lower than industry averages.

Learn about CAVA's ambitious expansion plans for 2026, its human-centered approach to AI and automation, and why Mediterranean cuisine is perfectly positioned at the intersection of health, wellness and bold flavors. This episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant operators looking to thrive in an uncertain economy.

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