As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q1. Today, we are looking at modern fast food stocks, starting with Chipotle (NYSE: CMG).

Modern fast food is a relatively newer category representing a middle ground between traditional fast food and sit-down restaurants. These establishments feature an expanded menu selection priced above traditional fast food options, often incorporating fresher and cleaner ingredients to serve customers prioritizing quality. These eateries are capitalizing on the perception that your drive-through burger and fries joint is detrimental to your health because of inferior ingredients.

The 6 modern fast food stocks we track reported a mixed Q1. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

While some modern fast food stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 3.2% since the latest earnings results.

Chipotle (NYSE: CMG)

Born from a desire to offer quick meals with fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) is a fast-food chain known for its healthy, Mexican-inspired cuisine and customizable dishes.

Chipotle reported revenues of $3.09 billion, up 7.4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 0.5%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ same-store sales and EBITDA estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 6.6% since reporting and currently trades at $35.16.

We think Chipotle is a good business, but is it a buy today? Read our full report here, it’s free.

Best Q1: CAVA (NYSE: CAVA)

Starting from a single Washington, D.C. location, CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) operates a fast-casual restaurant chain offering customizable Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

CAVA reported revenues of $438.3 million, up 32.1% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.7%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA and same-store sales estimates.

CAVA achieved the biggest analyst estimate beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 1.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $76.61.

Is now the time to buy CAVA? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q1: Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK)

Started as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park, Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) is a fast-food restaurant known for its burgers and milkshakes.

Shake Shack reported revenues of $366.7 million, up 14.3% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1.4%. It was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and EPS estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 41.3% since the results and currently trades at $56.62.

Read our full analysis of Shake Shack’s results here.

Wingstop (NASDAQ: WING)

The passion project of two chicken wing aficionados in Texas, Wingstop (NASDAQ: WING) is a popular fast-food chain known for its flavorful and crispy chicken wings offered in a variety of sauces and seasonings.

Wingstop reported revenues of $183.7 million, up 7.4% year on year. This number came in 2.4% below analysts’ expectations. Overall, it was a softer quarter as it also logged a significant miss of analysts’ same-store sales and EBITDA estimates.

Wingstop had the weakest performance against analyst estimates among its peers. The stock is up 2.7% since reporting and currently trades at $177.72.

Read our full, actionable report on Wingstop here, it’s free.

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG)

Founded in 2007 by three Georgetown University alum, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is a casual quick service chain known for its healthy salads and bowls.

Sweetgreen reported revenues of $161.5 million, down 2.9% year on year. This print lagged analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. It was a slower quarter as it also produced a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a miss of analysts’ same-store sales estimates.

Sweetgreen had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 27.7% since reporting and currently trades at $8.77.

Read our full, actionable report on Sweetgreen here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.