Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant CAVA will give all of its employees two paid hours to vote on Election Day. The Washington, D.C.-based restaurant has nearly 75 locations, including several in North Carolina. Locally, there is one in Huntersville and another in University. A location in Park Road Shopping Center will open on Tuesday, Oct. 30th with a Community Day, giving customers free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

Many states have laws requiring employers to allow time for employees to vote. North Carolina does not, meaning many who work hourly are forced to decide between voting and making money. By offering its employees paid voting hours, CAVA is removing that obstacle. The restaurant asked for two weeks notice in order to schedule around employees’ trips to the polls.

“We’re excited to be the first restaurant brand in the country to take this important step,” a representative for CAVA shared in an email statement. “For us, this is a non-partisan issue as we simply want to encourage every one of our Team Members to be active in their communities and to make their voices heard.”

CAVA also provided employees with information on where to vote, and this whole thing has our vote. Shout out to Washingtonian, who first reported this.  —Kristen Wile

Unpretentious People Say...

Other Articles You Might Enjoy