The last Columbia-area Zoës Kitchen has closed, will reopen with another brand

Like several other locations across the Midlands, an Irmo Mediterranean restaurant is set to swap national brands.

The Zoës Kitchen at 952 Lake Murray Blvd. has closed but is slated to reopen as a Cava restaurant. As of Monday morning, the Zoës Kitchen sign had been taken off the building on Lake Murray Boulevard, and it was no longer listed as a location on Zoës’ website.

There are signs on the door noting that Cava is coming soon in that location. There is a QR code on the door for those interested in applying for a job at the coming restaurant.

Cava has locations in nearly two dozen 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.

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

This will be the fourth Zoës in the Midlands to transition to Cava, following locations in Lexington, Forest Acres and on Two Notch Road. Meanwhile, a new Cava location is planned for 831 Gervais St. in Columbia’s Vista district. That one is going into the space that used to be occupied by a Starbucks.