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Andy Rebhun on corporate philanthropy

From Andrew Rebhun, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer @CAVA | Why the Best Brands Lead with Generosity · · The Soul & Science Podcast with Jason Harris

“We've donated over time a million dollars plus to organizations that focus on really solving the food insecurity crisis that exists throughout the US.”

Andy Rebhun
Chief Experience Officer, CAVA GROUP INC
Policy Impact corporate philanthropyfood insecuritycorporate social responsibility

On , Andy Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer at CAVA GROUP INC, spoke about corporate philanthropy during Andrew Rebhun, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer @CAVA | Why the Best Brands Lead with Generosity on The Soul & Science Podcast with Jason Harris.

Andrew Rebhun, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer @CAVA | Why the Best Brands Lead with Generosity
Watch on YouTube at 26:31
Andrew Rebhun, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer @CAVA | Why the Best Brands Lead with Generosity
Watch on YouTube at 26:31
The best loyalty programs are about more than just points and perks: they’re about generosity. In this episode of Soul & Science, Jason Harris sits down with Andrew Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer at CAVA, to discuss how a rapidly growing brand maintains its soul and fosters relationships with customers. From his career roots at Ford and McDonald's to leading CAVA’s marketing and experience strategy, Andrew explains why real loyalty comes from emotional connections with customers. Andrew shares the philosophy behind CAVA’s “Mediterranean hospitality,” how CAVA empowers its frontline teams to give back to their customers, and how listening to customer feedback can turn casual guests into brand advocates. From revamping CAVA’s rewards program to bringing back white sweet potatoes, the conversation explores how leaders can drive growth and impact by focusing on human warmth and staying true to their core fundamentals. ⏱️ Chapters 01:30 – From Selling Beanie Babies to CMO of CAVA 05:40 – “Take the Tough Assignments" 07:24 – What Makes a Good Loyalty Program 11:10 – The Holy Grail of Rewards Programs 13:10 – Spreadsheets vs. Real Connection 16:40 – Innovating with Status Matching 18:50 – Using AI to Enhance Guest Experiences 20:00 – Reward Programs’ Missed Opportunity 21:15 – The Mediterranean Menu 24:30 – Scaling with Integrity 25:50 – Generosity and the “Love Button” 30:20 – “Bring the Weather” Brought to you by Mekanism.
Andy Rebhun

About Andy Rebhun

Chief Experience Officer · CAVA GROUP INC

Andy Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer at Cava, has spoken in multiple interviews and a TEDx talk about the company’s approach to loyalty, growth, and brand culture. He described Cava’s loyalty program as designed to reward connection rather than frequency, stating that “loyalty is not a growth hack” and that the program reflects how guests actually engage with the brand. Rebhun noted that Cava relaunched its rewards program about a year ago, introducing lower earning thresholds and status tiers named sea, sand, and sun, and that the company launched a status-matching feature with airlines and hotels that he called an industry first for restaurants. He also discussed the company’s expansion, saying Cava has over 400 restaurants in 28 states and plans to open at least 50 new locations in the year of the interviews. Rebhun emphasized the importance of in-person connection and “Mediterranean hospitality,” stating that 66% of Cava’s consumers still eat inside the restaurants and that technology should “enhance, not replace” the human experience. He described initiatives such as a “love button” that empowers team members to give free food to guests, and a program called Project Soul focused on in-restaurant atmosphere and hospitality. Rebhun also discussed Cava’s approach to cultural relevance, athlete partnerships, and menu innovation, including tests of a pomegranate glazed salmon and a steak item. He said Cava has donated over a million dollars to organizations addressing food insecurity and that the company looks for athlete partners who “personify our values that bring heart, health, and humanity to food.”

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