In a surprising twist, adult diners are gravitating towards kids’ meals, as highlighted by Cava CEO Brett Schulman. This trend is partly driven by those on GLP-1 medications, which influence appetite and portion choice.
During a recent earnings call, Schulman discussed the impact of weight-loss drugs on dining habits. He mentioned that Cava’s menu naturally aligns with GLP-1 consumers’ preferences, noting, “GLPs are shifting folks more to our style of eating.”
The CEO revealed that adults, humorously termed “big kids,” are increasingly choosing Cava’s kids’ meals. He explained, “We have seen some of our — we call them big kids — opt into our kids meal a little bit more in recent months from a portion standpoint.”
Cava’s kids’ meal, priced at $8.25, offers half portions compared to their regular bowls, which start at $12.95. This shift reflects a broader trend dubbed the “Ozempification of American food,” characterized by a preference for smaller servings.
Food giants like General Mills and Conagra Brands are responding by launching products marketed as “GLP-1 Friendly,” catering to this growing consumer base.
Cava’s financial performance mirrors its menu’s appeal. The company reported a 31.3% surge in second-quarter revenue year-over-year, alongside a 9% increase in same-store sales and the opening of 17 new locations.
This positive trend follows a challenging period for casual dining, with younger customers dining out less frequently and salad bowl chains facing setbacks from a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to leafy greens.
