SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 05, 2025	Oct. 06, 2024	Oct. 05, 2025	Oct. 06, 2024
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segment revenue	$ 292,238	$ 243,817	$ 904,679	$ 736,318
Food, beverage, and packaging	88,289	73,540	268,798	216,326
Labor	73,849	61,233	227,907	186,134
Occupancy	19,523	16,412	62,722	52,751
Other operating expenses	38,211	29,985	114,142	90,734
Total consolidated revenue	219,872	181,170	673,569	545,945
Reconciliation of total reportable segment restaurant-level profit to income before taxes:
Other non-reportable segment profit	(1,201)	(828)	(4,378)	(2,673)
General and administrative expenses	31,499	29,830	104,944	91,951
Depreciation and amortization	17,628	14,325	55,254	45,380
Restructuring and other costs	0	230	0	582
Pre-opening costs	4,942	2,819	14,519	9,500
Impairment and asset disposal costs	1,176	1,675	3,917	3,795
Interest income, net	(3,575)	(4,091)	(11,773)	(12,829)
Other expense (income), net	30	(50)	(471)	(188)
Income before taxes	20,666	17,909	64,720	52,182
Operating Segments | CAVA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segment revenue	289,787	241,499	896,518	729,173
Food, beverage, and packaging	87,245	72,230	265,679	212,414
Labor	73,849	61,233	227,907	186,134
Occupancy	19,523	16,412	62,722	52,751
Other operating expenses	38,005	29,805	113,478	90,174
Total consolidated revenue	218,622	179,680	669,786	541,473
Total restaurant-level profit	71,165	61,819	226,732	187,700
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total reportable segment revenue	$ 2,451	$ 2,318	$ 8,161	$ 7,145