11 Most Promising Restaurant Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Page 5 of 10

6. BJ’s Restaurant, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI)

BJ’s Restaurant, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) is one of the most promising stocks.

On February 25, BJRI reported its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended December 30, 2025. The company stated that while comparable restaurant sales increased by 2.6%, overall revenue in the fourth quarter was $355.4 million, up 3.2% from the same period in 2024. Operating profit at the restaurant level increased by 8.2% to $57.2 million, with margins rising to 16.1%. In contrast to a diluted loss per share of $0.23 in the same period last year, diluted earnings per share came in at $0.58. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 7.4% to $35.6 million, and adjusted diluted EPS went from $0.47 to $0.66. The company paid nearly $5.4 million to repurchase about 167,000 shares during the quarter.

The company’s revenue increased by 3.1% to $1.4 billion for the entire fiscal year 2025, while comparable restaurant sales rose by 2.0%. Operating profit at the restaurant level increased by 10.6% to $216.2 million, while margins increased to 15.5%. Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $2.26 from $1.54 in fiscal 2024, while diluted EPS increased to $2.16 from $0.70. Adjusted EBITDA reached $134.1 million, up 14.5% year over year. The company also repurchased around 2.0 million shares for roughly $67.8 million.

For fiscal 2026, BJRI expects comparable restaurant sales growth of 1% to 3%, restaurant-level operating profit between $221 million and $233 million, and adjusted EBITDA ranging from $140 million to $150 million.

BJ’s Restaurant, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) operates a U.S. casual dining chain known for pizzas, craft beer, and a broad American menu, with over 200 company-owned restaurants nationwide.

Page 5 of 10