Cava Group has delivered a total shareholder return of 24.7% over the past 12 months, more than double the 11.8% return of the broad restaurant index over the same period. The stock has outpaced peers thanks to a 28% year-over-year increase in systemwide sales, driven by an acceleration in digital orders which now account for 22% of total revenues. During Q3, Cava opened 18 new company-operated locations and expanded its footprint into two new metropolitan areas, bringing the total restaurant count to 386 by the end of the quarter.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, Cava reported consolidated revenues of $1.15 billion, up from $895 million in the comparable period a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA rose 32% to $210 million, reflecting margin expansion of 120 basis points as a result of improved operating leverage and supply-chain cost reductions. Management has reiterated its full-year guidance for revenue growth in the range of 25% to 27% and an adjusted EBITDA margin target of 18% to 19%.

Cava plans to open 160 to 175 new restaurants in 2026, including a pilot program for smaller format units in high-traffic urban locations. Each new restaurant is projected to generate average unit volumes of $3.5 million in year one, with a targeted cash-on-cash return of 32% within 18 months of opening. The chain’s franchise pipeline has grown to 240 signed deals, representing potential systemwide revenue of $840 million at stabilized run-rate, up from 180 deals a year ago.

A consensus of 16 Wall Street analysts currently rates Cava as Overweight, with an average revenue growth forecast of 26% for 2026 and an EBITDA margin expansion expectation of 200 basis points. Analysts cite the company’s proprietary loyalty program—now at 6.2 million active members—and its differentiated Mediterranean menu as key competitive advantages. Several firms have raised their full-year EBITDA estimates by an average of 5% over the past two months, reflecting confidence in continued margin improvement and strong unit economics.