This fast-casual Mediterranean chain has raised $60 million to expand across the US - here's what it's like

Washington, DC has become a springboard for fast-casual concepts.

Following in the footsteps of trendy upstarts like Sweetgreen, &pizza, and Good Stuff Eatery, which have expanded beyond the nation's capitol, Cava Grill is poised to grow.

After raising over $60 million from a venture capital firm backed by AOL co-founder Steve Case, Cava Grill recently opened its first New York City location and has plans to expand across the Northeast in the coming year.

The Mediterranean-focused restaurant has also gained a substantial following with its two outposts in Los Angeles, and there are four new locations in the pipeline for the LA area.

I decided to visit the NYC location to see if the much-hyped chain has what it takes to expand across the country.