13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy

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7. Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33

Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) is one of the best fast food stocks to buy. On December 18, JPMorgan upgraded its rating on Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) from Underweight to Neutral but cut its price target from $95 to $90. This update came after a discussion between JPMorgan analysts and Shake Shack Inc.’s (NYSE:SHAK) CEO Rob Lynch at the company’s Atlanta Innovation Hub.

JPMorgan pointed out that the company is shifting from an “enlightened hospitality” focused fine casual concept to a more efficient operation that includes quick-service restaurant features. The research firm also noted Shake Shack Inc.’s (NYSE:SHAK) move to a free cash flow positive company while sustaining steps to blend the strongest parts of both fine casual and quick-service models.

Earlier, on December 16, Freedom Capital Markets initiated coverage on Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK), giving the stock a Buy rating and setting the price target at $120. The firm sees Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) as a unique brand in the better-burger space, with several factors set to continue supporting the momentum in the company’s same-store sales and traffic.

Freedom Capital Markets highlighted significant room for growth for the company. The firm pointed to the long-term opportunity for Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) for about 1,500 locations in North America compared to just around 400 company-operation locations as of Q3 2025. The research firm believes that the current stock price represents a good buying opportunity, noting that investor concerns seem exaggerated and same-store sales probably picked up again in November and December.

Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE:SHAK) is an American multinational food company that operates a chain of fast-casual restaurants. It specializes in premium burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer, and wine.

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