Chipotle vs. Sweetgreen: Which Restaurant Stock Will Perform Better?

The two fast-casual chains face economic headwinds, but one may be the better long-term investment.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Chipotle Mexican Grill and Sweetgreen, two popular fast-casual restaurant chains, have both seen their sales and stock prices decline recently due to cautious consumer spending. While Sweetgreen doesn't report a profit, a comparison of their price-to-sales ratios suggests Chipotle may be the better long-term investment despite its own challenges.

Why it matters

The restaurant industry has faced significant headwinds, with both Chipotle and Sweetgreen feeling the impact of economic factors that have made people more cautious about discretionary spending. Determining which of these two stocks is the better long-term investment is important for investors looking to capitalize on the industry's eventual recovery.

The details

Chipotle's same-restaurant sales fell 1.7% last year, with traffic dropping even as spending increased. Sweetgreen's comps dropped 7.9% in 2025 after a 6.2% increase the prior year. Both companies have been expanding, with Chipotle opening 321 new restaurants in 2025 and Sweetgreen adding 25 in 2024 and 35 in 2025. However, Sweetgreen plans to open just 15 new locations this year and projects a 2-4% decrease in comps. The stock prices of both companies have reflected these challenges, with Chipotle's share price falling 32% over the past year and Sweetgreen's plummeting 76.3%.

  • Chipotle's same-restaurant sales fell 1.7% in 2025.
  • Sweetgreen's same-restaurant sales dropped 7.9% in 2025 after a 6.2% increase in 2024.
  • Chipotle opened 321 new restaurants in 2025.
  • Sweetgreen added 25 new restaurants in 2024 and 35 in 2025.
  • Sweetgreen plans to open just 15 new locations in 2026.

The players

Chipotle Mexican Grill

A popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Sweetgreen

A fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on serving healthier fare using natural ingredients.

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The takeaway

While both Chipotle and Sweetgreen face near-term challenges, Chipotle's stronger financial position and more cautious growth plans make it the better long-term investment option compared to the more heavily discounted Sweetgreen stock.