Over the years, companies have begun rolling out bag policies across the United States. Certain McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A locations are now charging for them. A Virginia woman called out Cava when an employee refused to give her a bag for her $20 bowl order without an explanation. Are all locations doing this?
No more bags for one item at Cava?
While sitting in her car, real estate employee Alea (@aleaamor5) recounts an interaction with a Cava employee. “So, I just went to Cava. Got my usual, ask for a bag,” she says, holding up her loaded bowl filled to the brim. “The guy then proceeds to tell me they don’t give bags out anymore for individual bowls.”
However, she says there are exceptions. “[Two bowls] or I need to order a bowl with chips,” she states. Essentially, this annoyed the content creator. “Now, you have to order a certain amount of bowls just to get a bag, knowing [expletive] well that this lid don’t be on here that secure,” she remarks, tapping the lid. “You [gave] me a pita that’s already opened and exposed,” she adds, unveiling a piece of pita bread in an open wrapper.
“Then, my order was almost 20 dollars but I can’t get a bag?” Alea asks. “Not having a bag option at Cava was not on my 2025 list of the year.” Shrugging her shoulders, she takes out her bowl. “No more bags at Cava for individual bowls,” she concludes with a fake smile.
“Ya know it’s not a big deal obviously but like why take away something so convenient lmao,” she writes in the caption.
What did viewers think?
The video garnered over 37,000 views. Although Alea wasn’t livid about this, many viewers were, and wouldn’t have reacted calmly about it.
“A $20 bowl & no bag is a no for me. Idc what [sustainability] bs you are pushing, give me a bag with my order,” one viewer commented.
“You didn’t cut up enough for me. If I’m paying my money, hand me my bag!!” another echoed.
“They would have had to refund me IMMEDIATELY,” a third stated.
Is this a new CAVA policy?
However, other recent customers reported receiving a bag with their single order.
“Hmm that’s weird. I just went to Cava yesterday and was able to get a bag and I ordered an individual bowl. Maybe it depends on the location,” one commenter shared.
“I was asked if I wanted a bag yesterday for my one bowl. I declined because we pay for bags here in Maryland,” a second recalled.
In the comments section, Alea agreed with viewers. “It could be the guy didn’t look confident when he told me lmao. So could definitely be based on the location,” she replied.
Since 2022, the Mediterranean company has been committed to eco-friendliness. One method is to improve waste management across their restaurant operations to reduce their carbon footprint, according to their website. Furthermore, they pride themselves on using recyclable and compostable items. Since CAVA is corporate-owned, it is unclear why Alea’s location denied her a bag, or whether this is a sustainability effort.
@aleaamor5 Ya know it’s not a big deal obviously but like why take away something so convenient lmao #cava @CAVA #fyp #trending #abcxyz ♬ original sound – Aleaamor_
The Mary Sue reached out to Alea via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment as well as CAVA via press email.
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