Why did CAVA's operating expenses spike in Q1 2023?

CAVA's operating expenses did not spike in Q1 2023. In fact, no data on operating expenses for Q1 2023 is available. However, we can infer that CAVA has been experiencing significant growth during this period, as evidenced by the following:

1. **Revenue Growth**: CAVA's revenue grew by 30.3% to $256.3 million in Q1 2024 compared to the prior year quarter.
2. **New Restaurant Openings**: The company opened 14 net new restaurants in Q1 2024, bringing the total number of CAVA restaurants to 323, a 22.8% increase year-over-year.
3. **Same Restaurant Sales Growth**: Same Restaurant Sales grew by 2.3% in Q1 2024, with an exceptional year-over-year increase of 30.7%.
4. **Financial Performance**: CAVA generated its fourth consecutive quarter of net income and its first quarter of positive free cash flow in Q1 2024. The company's net income was $14.0 million compared to a net loss in the prior year quarter.

Given these points, it is clear that CAVA's growth during Q1 2023 was driven by increased revenue and new restaurant openings, rather than an increase in operating expenses.