7 Best Future Food Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

4. CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA)

Potential Upside: 48.69%

Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 47

CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) continues to expand the footprint of Mediterranean cuisine as a dominant force in the fast-casual restaurant industry. Operating across the U.S., the company serves dips, spreads, and dressings through grocery stores as well.

CAVA reported a 36.8% increase in revenue, year-on-year, with same-restaurant sales growing 21.2% and a 15.6% increase in traffic for Q4 ended December 31, 2024. CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) had its presence at 367 locations at year-end, emanating an 18.8% YoY expansion and also maintaining strong unit economics, with average unit volumes reaching $2.9 million in 2024, up from $2.6 million in 2023. Although food and labor costs rose moderately because of a nationwide rollout of steak and wage investments, the company posted an improvement in restaurant-level profit margins.

Furthermore, under its expansion strategy, CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) entered the Midwest with a successful debut in Chicago and planned openings in Detroit and Indianapolis to further its presence in the region. The company’s upcoming expansion in Pittsburgh points to a deeper push into the Mid-Atlantic region. On a consolidated basis, the company is expecting to open 62 to 66 new locations in 2025, representing a growth of at least 17%, through a strong development pipeline.

Moreover, operational enhancements were important to the company’s strong performance. The company saw improved efficiency across locations through a revamped labor deployment model. Technology investments, like AI-driven kitchen monitoring and new kitchen display systems, have improved order accuracy and service speed. CAVA also observed increased engagement from its loyalty program, improving visit frequency and higher spending per customer.

With this, CAVA is well-equipped to capture long-term market share while improving profitability, as demand for Mediterranean cuisine increases. Conclusively, with the company’s capability to move forward with aggressive expansion, coupled with operational discipline and customer-related innovations, CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) remains a top pick among the Best Future Food Stocks to Buy.