8969 E 46th Ave - Cava | 8968 E 46th Ave - Chipotle

The fast-casual arms race is heating up in Denver’s northeast corridor. Chipotle and Cava are both opening new locations within Runway 35 North, one of the city’s newest retail hubs off I-70 and shadow-anchored by Northfield Mall.

Chipotle, which famously opened its first-ever restaurant on Evans Avenue in 1993, continues to double down on its Denver roots. Its new location at Runway 35 North adds fuel to the brand’s local legacy while strengthening the appeal of this growing retail node.

But hot on its heels is Cava, the Mediterranean bowl-and-pita chain that’s been making serious noise in investor circles. Since going public in 2023, Cava has expanded aggressively, with many calling it “the next Chipotle.” The timing here is telling, Cava’s new spot opens shortly after Chipotle’s, in the exact same center.

The two sit just behind In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s, which helped anchor the first wave of retail at Runway 35 North. Now, a Dutch Bros is also in the works nearby, signaling even more activity in an area quickly becoming a fast-casual destination for the entire northeast Denver metro.

Runway 35 North broke ground in early 2021, and with only a few pad sites left, it’s become a hotbed for brands staking their flag in one of Denver’s fastest-growing corridors.