D.C.-Based Cava Opens Tuesday in Kendall Square, Cambridge | Eater Boston

"I'm covering Cava’s new Kendall Square location, which opens on November 27 at 82 Ames St in Cambridge. The Washington, DC–based fast-casual Mediterranean chain, founded in 2011, now has 72 locations nationwide and this Kendall Square restaurant is its fifth Massachusetts opening this year. The counter-service, customizable format lets you build bowls or pitas from rotating seasonal menus—fall highlights include Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cauliflower, Greek minestrone soup, a carrot-and-currant topping, and red pepper chickpea dressing, with proteins ranging from falafel to spicy lamb meatballs; Cava estimates it offers 58 million possible combinations. The Kendall Square spot will also serve house-made juices and teas, local Spindrift seltzer, and extras like pita chips, hummus, dips, and cookies, and will celebrate opening day with free lunches from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 27 while accepting donations for nonprofit partner Future Chefs; regular hours are 10:45 a.m.–10 p.m., seven days a week." - Dana Hatic