Chipotle and Cava, fast-casual restaurant leaders, experienced significant share surges (70% and 150%).

Chipotle and Cava, two fast-casual restaurant leaders, have seen their shares surge by 70% and 150% respectively over the past year. These chains are seen as stock market darlings, with high operating margins (almost 28% for Chipotle and 25% for Cava) and consistent growth in same-store sales. Investors are enthused by their success, and other differentiated restaurant chains may follow similar paths.