In the past, I’ve highlighted different “status matching” opportunities from airlines, hotel brands, and even casinos. However, this is the first time I’ve seen the practice employed by a fast casual chain restaurant. That’s right, Cava has launched a new status match promotion — and a wide-ranging one, at that.
To celebrate the launch of its new rewards program tiers, Cava is inviting those with elite status with select other brands to match it to Cava Rewards. Interestingly, this list not only includes some culinary competitors but also airlines, hotels, and more. By the way, if you are looking to take advantage of this deal, you’ll want to submit before November 23.
Before we get to the list of options, let’s start with what Cava Rewards is. There are now three tiers: Sea, Sand, and Sun. Sea is the entry-level status, while Sand is unlocked after customers earn 1,500 Points, followed by Sun, which is reached after 4,500 Points earned. As for what perks these upper tiers feature, customers with Sand status can earn 11 points per $1 spent (as opposed to the standard 10 points per $1), take advantage of 3x multiplier events, and claim $0 delivery fees once per quarter on orders over $15. Meanwhile, Sun status raised that earning rate to 12 points per $1 spent, ups the multiplier events to 4x, includes up to three $0 delivery fee orders per quarter, and also tacks on other exclusive events.
If you want to claim your Cava Rewards status, your first option is to look to your airline status as American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest can all earn you Sun (the level required varies by carrier). Not a flier? Cava also includes cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Virgin, Norwegian, and Celebrity in the offer as well as Amtrak.
Elsewhere, a few hotel chains also qualify. These include Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. In most of these cases (with the exception of Hyatt, which has different naming conventions), silver status is enough to earn you Sun.
Finally, there are also restaurants and retailers that can earn you Cava Rewards status. For restaurants, there’s Starbucks, Crumbl, Noodles & Company, Chick-fil-A, and Chopt. Then, Sephora, Nordstrom, Alo, and Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy/Athleta are the retailers included.
Looking at my different statuses, I have a few different qualifying options. First, there’s my Starbucks Gold status, which I legitimately earned back in the day. But then there’s also the hotel statuses I have from various cards, including the Amex Platinum and IHG Premier Business. So, does that mean I’ll be submitting for my Sun upgrade? Well, considering that I’ve never actually had Cava and don’t live within two hours of one, it probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
Ultimately, while this is a fun promotion and could be beneficial for Cava fans to get a jump on their rewards, the perks associated with the status don’t really add up to much. Still, kudos to Cava on this clever idea and for bringing the concept of status matching to the mainstream.