13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy

2. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is one of the best fast food stocks to buy. On December 19, Evercore ISI reiterated its Outperform rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) with a $45 price target. Evercore ISI noted a modest improvement in quarter-to-date sales trends in recent weeks and increased its Q4 2025 same-store sales forecast from -4% to -3%.

The research firm also raised its Q4 2025 EPS forecast from $0.23 to $0.24. This improvement is attributed mainly to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s (NYSE:CMG) Buy One Get One promotions. For fiscal year 2026, Evercore ISI lifted its EPS estimate from $1.17 to $1.19, which represents a 3% year-over-year increase. This update comes after the company announced a new protein menu, which is seen as the first step in a more aggressive marketing calendar.

On December 18, Goldman Sachs also reaffirmed its Buy rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) with a price target of $45 after the company announced a new High Protein Menu launching December 23 in the US and Canada. Goldman Sachs pointed out that this move strategically utilizes Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s (NYSE:CMG) strengths in customizable, clean-label ingredients and responsibly sourced proteins to position the brand better in the growing high-protein and better-for-you segment of the food sector.

Additionally, Goldman Sachs noted that the new menu seems designed to tap into two large consumer trends: the growing adoption of GLP-1 medications and a growing focus on macronutrients, especially protein, with certain bowls and salads described as “GLP-1 friendly.”

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is an American restaurant company that operates a multinational chain of fast-casual restaurants specializing in Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads, and bowls.