A Columbia area Mediterranean restaurant is changing brands. Here’s what’s planned

A Forest Acres Mediterranean restaurant is switching to a new brand.

Zoës Kitchen, located at 4855 Forest Drive, will soon change to Cava, which serves customizable Mediterranean items with a host of flavors. The city of Forest Acres confirmed the switch in a Wednesday post on its Facebook page.

“Cava will bring Mediterranean dishes to Forest Drive,” the city posted. “It will replace another Forest Acres neighbor, Zoës Kitchen. The city has received and approved construction plans for the new Cava space. Zoe’s will close next week around August 17. A timeline for when Cava will open has not been set.”

According to industry publication QSR Magazine, the company behind Cava purchased the Zoës chain in a $300 million deal several years ago.

Cava has locations in 21 states, according to a locator tool on its website. Its menu allows diners to customize bowls, starting with a base such as salad, grains or pita, and then add on various dips, spreads, meats, and vegetables.