Kelly Costanza is CAVA’s Chief People Officer and joined the organization in May of 2020. She oversees a team responsible for Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Benefits, Compensation, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Human Resources Information Systems and Culture. Her team hires and retains talent that helps fuel the organization’s fast growth while providing a compelling employee experience. Prior to joining CAVA, Kelly served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Ollie’s and was with the company for 5 years. During her tenure she prepared the organization for an IPO and created strategies to support the rapidly growing organization. Prior to Ollie’s, Kelly served as the Head of Human Resources for rue21 and American Eagle Outfitters. Kelly has 25 years of experience helping fast growth companies establish talent strategies, design employee programs and create frameworks for accountability that drive retention and results. She has spent most of her career with public companies focused on shareholder return and compliance. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Business and Communications.
Sessions for Kelly Costanza
RLC Kick-off Reception and The Pacesetter Award Ceremony
Location: Ballroom LawnA great excuse to get to the conference early- this year’s early arrival reception will honor the 2024 Pacesetter Award winner Brett Schulman and the CAVA Team! Join us for a celebratory evening of food, drinks, industry camaraderie and fun!
The Pacesetter Award recognizes small to mid-sized restaurant brands that have achieved next level growth and demonstrated industry excellence within their category. The winning criteria includes financial performance, system growth, caliber of culture, personnel management, innovation, leadership and industry support/giveback.
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Operations Officer
First Watch
Chief Information Officer
CAVA
Chief Experience Officer
CAVA
Meeting the Moment - Leading with Possibility
Hear from best-in-class leaders and how they turn challenges into opportunities to shape their organizations to focus on possibility and futureproofing.
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Marketing Officer
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Chief Experience Officer
Red Lobster
Executive Editor | Moderator
Nation's Restaurant News
Food 4 Thought Power Talk Round Table Discussion- Meeting the Moment, Leading with Possibility
Location: Grand Sonoran EJoin an interactive think tank with best-in-class executives for a deep dive on building brand culture and how today’s leaders turn challenges into opportunities. The group will discuss how to shape teams focused on possibility, continuing the topical conversation from the General Session. Led by Sarah Lockyer, President, Elliot Leadership Institute, PepsiCo Foodservice, and Informa Connect Editorial, you’ll walk away with essential strategies to future-proof your organization by intentionally leading with possibility.
President | Moderator
Elliot Leadership Institute
Chief Experience Officer
Red Lobster
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Marketing Officer
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Innovation Forum Speaker
Kelly Costanza
CAVA