Emerging Brands

Cava founders plot full-service concept

New all-day restaurant will feature French-Mediterranean cuisine

The founders of the fast-growing Cava Mediterranean chain are launching a stand-alone all-day dining concept.

Julii will serve a French-Mediterranean menu from its location in a 2,000-square-foot building that's part of a new mixed-use development in Bethesda, Md.

pavilion building

Build-out will begin in early 2018, with plans to open by late spring or early summer, says Ted Xenohristos, one of Cava's founders and part of the team behind Julii.

“Julii is a small, separate side venture—a new full-service restaurant—by our founders Ike Grigoropolous, Ted Xenohristos, and chef Dimitri Moshovitis in their home community,” says Meg Schiffman, Cava marketing director. “It's a passion project for them, and a way to bring more of their culinary world to their neighborhood, and is separate from the fast-casual business.”

Plans for Julii include a coffee shop and menus that feature items like shakshouka and roast chicken.

Grigoropolous, Xenohristos and Moshovitis are still actively involved in Cava Group’s operations, which include six Cava Mezze units and 43 fast-casual Cava locations.  

Cava has been named one of Restaurant Business’25 fastest-growing fast casuals as well as one of the Future 50 Emerging Brands; the Maryland-based concept recently secured $30 million in funding.  

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