11 Best Young Stocks to Buy and Hold For 3 Years

8. Cava Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA)

EPS Forward Long Term Growth (3-5 Year CAGR): 33.08%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34

Cava Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) is one of the best young stocks to buy and hold for 3 years. On January 9, Mizuho analyst Nick Setyan raised the firm’s price target on Cava Group to $64 from $52 with a Neutral rating on the shares. In its 2026 outlook, Mizuho adjusted price targets across the restaurant sector and predicted an ongoing price war as brands fight to regain foot traffic lost to grocery stores following significant post-pandemic price hikes. The firm favored Casual Dining as the top-performing sub-sector, followed by coffee and fast-casual, while remaining cautious on Quick Service.

On the same day, Telsey Advisory initiated coverage of Cava Group with an Outperform rating and an $85 price target. The firm noted that while the restaurant industry dealt with reduced consumer spending throughout 2025, it anticipates a moderate recovery in sector trends for 2026. This improvement is expected to be driven by a boost in consumer purchasing power from larger tax refunds and lower interest rates.

Additionally, Truist increased the price target for Cava Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) to $78 from $66 while maintaining a Buy rating on January 8.  The firm described a complex outlook for the restaurant industry in 2026 following a difficult year. Truist noted that while factors like tax refunds and cooperative weather could provide a short-term boost, the sector still faces significant challenges.

Cava Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) owns and operates a chain of restaurants under the CAVA brand in the US. It also offers dips, spreads, and dressings through grocery stores.