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 CAVA (NYSE: CAVA).

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.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 7.3% since the latest earnings results.

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. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 4.7%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA and same-store sales estimates.

“Amid today's broader macroeconomic environment and geopolitical uncertainty, our first quarter results reflect our position as a clear industry leader and our ability to meet the moment for the modern consumer," said Brett Schulman, Co-Founder and CEO.

CAVA scored the biggest analyst estimate beat and fastest revenue growth of the whole group. Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 7.5% since reporting and currently trades at $72.27.

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

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, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 0.5%. The business had a strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ same-store sales estimates and EPS in line with analysts’ estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 11.1% since reporting. It currently trades at $36.64.

Is now the time to buy Chipotle? 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 35.7% since the results and currently trades at $62.03.

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

Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO)

Begun as a Chicago hot dog stand in 1963, Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO) is a casual restaurant chain that serves Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches as well as fries and shakes.

Portillo's reported revenues of $182.6 million, up 3.5% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a strong quarter as it also logged a beat of analysts’ EPS and same-store sales estimates.

The stock is down 18.3% since reporting and currently trades at $4.68.

Read our full, actionable report on Portillo's 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 result lagged analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. Overall, it was a slower quarter as it also recorded a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and same-store sales estimates.

Sweetgreen had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 19.2% since reporting and currently trades at $8.19.

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

Market Update

Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership.

Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products.

By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 6 Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.