Chipotle, Wingstop, and Cava expand despite spending slowdown

Chipotle, Wingstop, and Cava are preparing for a challenging year in 2025 as consumer spending slows. Same-store sales growth is expected to decline, with Chipotle projecting low to mid-single-digit increases, down from 7.4% in 2024. Despite this slowdown, all three companies plan to continue expanding. Chipotle aims to open 315 to 345 new locations, Wingstop targets a 14% to 15% increase in its store count, and Cava plans to add 62 to 66 new restaurants. New store openings are expected to drive overall sales growth, even as same-store sales soften. Chipotle, Wingstop, and Cava reported significant sales increases in 2024, largely due to new locations, and they anticipate continued growth in 2025.