Key Points
The food service industry reached a staggering $997 billion in sales in 2023.
As of January 2024, it provided over 12 million jobs in the United States.
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with social media-driven trends and fickle consumer demands often shaping how we eat out.
5 stocks we like better than AK
Sinking your teeth into a juicy burger from your favorite fast-food chain is comfort food at its finest. But as an investor, capitalizing on a flourishing restaurant empire may prove even more delicious. When you understand the art of identifying the best restaurant stocks to buy, the rewards can go beyond just a satisfying meal.
By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll know the best restaurant stocks to buy now and why they offer a prime opportunity to get in on the ever-growing food industry, whether that’s fine dining to pumpkin spice lattes to your favorite corner burger chain.
Understanding the restaurant industry 
The restaurant industry is a diverse and flavorful mix. Eateries span from small mom-and-pop establishments to sprawling international franchises. Each one reflects the passions and ambitions of the people who created it. Restaurants also drive the economy. The food service industry reached a staggering $997 billion in sales in 2023. And as of January 2024, it provided over 12 million jobs in the United States. 
There have always been restaurants, but in recent years, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth. Changing consumer behavior has played a big role in this. Today’s diners aren’t only looking for sustenance. They want an experience. This shift has given rise to a demand for new flavors and diverse cuisine, including fusion food that explores and blends different cultural traditions.
But economic conditions shape the restaurant industry more than almost anything. During times of economic growth, people tend to dine out more frequently since they have more disposable income to spend on meals. During economic uncertainty or recession, they tend to tighten their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, including dining out. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the unpredictability of the industry. Overnight, busy dining rooms emptied, forcing restaurants to adapt or face closure.
However, the restaurant industry has proven resilient. People will always crave food and social interaction, making restaurants a staple. The key to identifying and investing in the best restaurant stocks lies in understanding how restaurants adapt to rapidly changing trends and economic conditions.
Key metrics for evaluating restaurant stocks 
If you’re seeking the best restaurant stocks to buy now, start by looking for key metrics that evaluate the financial performance and potential of these companies, like revenue growth and profitability ratios, comparable sales growth and same-store sales.
Revenue growth captures the expansion and success of a restaurant business. It reflects a company’s ability to attract more customers or increase the average spending per customer. By analyzing revenue growth over time, you can tell whether a restaurant is gaining momentum.
Profitability ratios are also significant. Metrics such as gross profit margin, operating margin and net profit margin can show a company’s efficiency in managing costs and generating profits. A high gross profit margin means the restaurant can maintain a healthy markup on its menu items. In contrast, a strong operating margin suggests effective cost control and management of overhead expenses.
Comparable sales growth and same-store sales, meanwhile, reflect the performance of existing restaurants within a chain, excluding the impact of new store openings or closures. Positive comparable sales growth indicates that the restaurant is attracting repeat customers and increasing customer spending.

Top performers in the restaurant sector
Now that you have a grasp on the essential elements to analyze when choosing the finest restaurant stocks or even junk food stocks, let’s dive into some of the top performers in today’s market.
McDonald’s Corporation
Regarding publicly traded fast food, McDonald’s Corporation NYSE: MCD continues to dominate the global market. Its revenue growth has been steady, increasing by 7% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The company’s gross profit margin stood at an impressive 41.27%, highlighting its ability to generate sizable profits even in a competitive fast food market. McDonald’s has also experienced positive comparable sales growth, demonstrating its ability to attract repeat customers and maintain customer loyalty.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Known for fresh ingredients and customizable menu options, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. NYSE: CMG has seen significant revenue growth, with a 14.3% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. The company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing has resonated with consumers, leading to a loyal customer base. Chipotle’s profitability ratios are also impressive, with a gross profit margin of 16.42% and an operating margin of 15.8%.
Yum! Brands Inc.
With popular chains like KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut under its umbrella, Yum! Brands Inc. NYSE: YUM has a diversified portfolio that caters to different tastes and preferences. The company’s revenue growth has been strong, increasing by 4.15% in 2023. 
Yum! has also made strategic investments in technology and digital platforms to enhance engagement and convenience. These investments have paid off, as the company has experienced positive comparable sales growth across its brands.
Shake Shack Inc.
Moving away from traditional public fast food companies, the rise of fast-casual concepts has generated significant interest in companies like burger chain Shake Shack, Inc. NYSE: SHAK. The chain’s revenue growth has been exceptional, with a remarkable 20.8% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to their commitment to quality ingredients and a unique dining experience that bridges the gap between fast food and casual dining. The company’s gross profit margin of 1.8% reflects their ability to maintain profitability while providing high-quality food.
The Cheesecake Factory Inc.
The Cheesecake Factory Inc. NASDAQ: CAKE stands out as a top performer. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company has shown resilience and adaptability. While fine dining establishments faced significant setbacks due to restrictions and closures, The Cheesecake Factory quickly pivoted to offer takeout and delivery options. This move allowed them to continue serving their loyal customer base and generate revenue.
The chain’s revenue growth remained strong, with a 5.89% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. This can be attributed to a well-established brand with an extensive menu selection as well as its signature cheesecakes. Despite the shift in consumer behavior towards more casual dining experiences, The Cheesecake Factory has maintained its appeal and continues to attract customers. The company’s profitability ratios are also impressive, with a gross profit margin of 2.23% and an operating margin of 5.48%.
Darden Restaurants Inc.
At the intersection of the fine dining and casual dining sectors is Darden Restaurants Inc. NYSE: DRI, which operates a range of well-known brands, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Eddie V’s, The Capital Grille, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, Yard House and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Known for its Italian cuisine and warm, family-friendly atmosphere, Olive Garden, for instance, has continued to lure in diners with its famous unlimited breadsticks and salad.

One of Darden’s strengths is its menu innovation. The restaurant regularly introduces new dishes and flavors, keeping customers excited and engaged. In addition to its staples, the restaurants have expanded their menus to include plant-based options and healthier choices. The company has also introduced user-friendly mobile apps that allow customers to conveniently make reservations, browse menus and place orders.
Emerging trends and opportunities 
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving. Competition is fierce, with social media-driven trends and fickle consumer demands often shaping how we eat out.
We’re seeing increasing demand for sustainable and health-conscious options. With more awareness of both environmental impact and personal well-being, diners want to make choices that align with their values. Restaurants have responded by incorporating more plant-based and sustainable menu options. By sourcing local, organic ingredients and reducing their carbon footprint, they can attract this growing customer base.
Restaurants have also begun incorporating cutting-edge concepts and technologies. Ghost kitchens, for example, are a way to streamline the delivery process and reduce overhead costs. These kitchens operate solely for fulfilling online orders, allowing restaurants to focus on their core competencies while still meeting the demand for delivery.
Digital ordering platforms have also become essential tools for restaurants. Mobile apps and online ordering systems offer us the convenience of ordering and paying from our smartphones.
On the other side of the spectrum from convenience, there’s a demand for experiential dining. Restaurants incorporate unique themes, interactive elements and entertainment into their spaces, from themed pop-up restaurants to immersive dining events like murder mystery dinners or interactive chef-led cooking classes.  
Meanwhile, the pandemic has accelerated demand for contactless dining experiences. Restaurants are implementing touchless menus, QR code ordering systems and online payment options to minimize physical contact and ensure the safety of their customers and staff.
Social media’s rise has transformed how restaurants market themselves. Influencer partnerships, viral food trends and…