Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain Cava saw revenue rise 49.5 per cent year over year to $173.8 million in the third quarter.

The growth was driven by 95 net new locations during or subsequent to the third quarter of FY22, the company said. As of October 1, Cava’s restaurant count was 290 across 24 states and the District of Columbia.

Same-restaurant sales increased 14.1 per cent, of which 7.6 per cent was from increased footfall and 6.5 per cent from changes to menu pricing and product mix.

The company posted a net income of $6.8 million compared to a net loss of $11.9 million in the year-ago period.

“Cava’s results in the third quarter clearly demonstrate the strength and portability of our category-defining brand and highly differentiated offering,” said Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO.

“…In the face of consumer headwinds, we are positioned to gain market share and deliver on our extraordinary, long-term potential.”

The company has raised its full-year outlook, expecting 70 to 73 net new outlet openings and same-restaurant sales growth of 15 to 16 per cent.