Fast-casual chain CAVA plans to open a restaurant in the Rochester market — its first in New York state outside the New York City area.
The location is 400-441 Commerce Drive, Victor, in Victor Crossing plaza, which is owned by Benderson Development. The space previously was occupied by Pi Craft Pizza and is behind Chipotle.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CAVA serves Mediterranean-inspired food and has become popular for its bowls, pitas, and salads — which diners can customize — as well as its pita chips. Prices range from around $13 to $16.
On March 10, Matt Oates of Benderson presented site plans to the Victor Planning Board calling for removal of a back patio, which he said did not get a lot of use when Pi Craft was there, and minor updates to the building façade.
The board had no objections to the plans, but Victor Zoning Board approval is needed for one of the building signs being proposed.
CAVA has more than 400 locations nationwide and is in the midst of a major expansion, which it hopes will bring the number to 1,000 by 2032, the chain told USA TODAY.
Pi Craft specialized in handmade pizzas that cooked in minutes on a revolving stone in an oven that reached temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees. Its Victor Crossing location opened in 2018 and closed in 2024.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Popular restaurant chain to open first upstate NY location in Victor
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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