While many segments of fast casual slowed, Technomic data shows several Mediterranean chains outpaced the segment. Taziki’s Mediterranean Café belongs on that list, with 110 units in 19 states and a franchise program that began in 2012. And while CAVA owns much of the market share, Taziki’s is available to franchise today.
Why is Mediterranean outperforming the rest of fast casual?
Mediterranean grew while the segment slowed. Technomic reported that fast casual chain sales rose 6% to nearly $77 billion in 2025. The prior three-year average was near 9%. Restaurant Business published the findings in April 2026.
Within that data, CAVA grew sales 22% and passed $1 billion. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill grew more than 36%. Nick the Greek grew more than 22%. Naya grew nearly 41%.
But these brands don’t have Taziki’s story or longevity. Taziki’s is a proven brand that has inspired loyalty for over a quarter century. People keep coming back. Instead of catering to the lowest common denominator and trying to push food out as fast as possible, Taziki’s has leaned even more into hospitality.
So when people make the decision of where to go to eat, they’re still choosing Taziki’s.
Is Mediterranean still undervalued, and where is the whitespace?
Cava reported 459 locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C. after the first quarter of 2026. It targets 1,000 locations by 2032. It plans more than 75 openings this year. Those include a first entry into Minnesota and new markets such as St. Louis, Cincinnati and Columbus, according to Bisnow.
CAVA’s rapid growth might seem harmful for Taziki’s, but it’s actually a boon. Firstly, their success shows just how much demand there is for fast-casual Mediterranean. A market leader that needs more than 500 additional units suggests room in many metros.
Secondly, their marketing budget is doing double duty. They are introducing Gens Z and Alpha to the Mediterranean Diet, consumers who will continue to make buying decisions for decades. And to quote a Gen Z consumer, “I’m out on slop bowls.” The build-your-own model eventually gets tiring, and these consumers will look elsewhere to whet their appetites. That’s when Taziki’s steps in.
Many cities that CAVA is entering are still available for Taziki’s. Check out our availability to see if your market is up for grabs.
How does Taziki’s fit an existing portfolio?
Our franchise system was founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 1998. We have franchised since 2012. Today we operate 110 units in 19 states. That is a system with more than 100 units and room to grow in the markets where operators already have infrastructure.
Cava operates company-owned restaurants. While it can’t be franchised, it has helped Taziki’s out tremendously. By introducing younger consumers to the Mediterranean cuisine, Taziki’s is able to step in once they mature out of the bowl assembly-line system.
We back operators with Restaurant365 for back-office management and a well-developed tech stack for our other systems. Those tools give group operators visibility from build-out through daily operations. We have the sophistication of a larger brand with the support of a local team. We might not be CAVA in terms of size, but we’re able to provide long-term dietary options to young families from now into the future.
To see how Taziki’s fits your portfolio, request the current Franchise Disclosure Document at tazikisfranchising.com.
This content is general information and is not an offer to sell a franchise. Offers are made only through a Franchise Disclosure Document in states where registration or exemption requirements are met.
