From quick-service outlets to full-service dining, here's a detailed list of restaurants operating on Christmas Day.Applebee's: Some Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas, though hours may differ by restaurant. Guests are advised to check with their nearest outlet for specific timings, according to a report from Today.McDonald’s: Most McDonald’s outlets remain open on holidays, including Christmas. However, operating hours may vary by location, so customers are encouraged to check the store locator ...

Core Viewpoint - Both Shake Shack and Chipotle have experienced significant stock declines this year, despite the S&P 500's 16% return, with both stocks down over 30% year to date, indicating sector-specific challenges beyond broader market trends [2][3] Chipotle Overview - Chipotle has seen a dramatic increase in its restaurant count from 581 in 2006 to 4,000, with a total return of over 4,000% since its IPO [4] - Recent performance has been concerning, with same-store sales growth dropping to just 0.3% last quarter, following a decline of 4% in the previous quarter and a decrease of 0.4% in Q1 [5][6] - Management has cut its forecast for comparable sales to a low-to-mid single-digit decline and noted falling restaurant-level margins, while also engaging in a $687 million share buyback that was poorly timed [8] Shake Shack Overview - Shake Shack is experiencing healthy growth, with same-store sales increasing by 4.9% year over year last quarter and overall sales up 16% year over year [9] - The company is planning an ambitious expansion, aiming to triple its store count, having opened 20 new locations recently, bringing the total to over 630 [9][10] - Shake Shack has demonstrated strong pricing power, increasing same-store sales for 19 consecutive quarters despite raising prices, indicating a loyal customer base [10] Valuation Considerations - Shake Shack's current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 84, which is considered too high compared to the S&P 500 average of just under 30, suggesting that the stock may be overvalued [12][13] - While Shake Shack presents a more promising investment opportunity than Chipotle, caution is advised regarding its valuation before making any investment decisions [13]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying underfollowed, promising stocks in sectors such as consumer retail, restaurants, and TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) companies. It advocates for a long-term investment perspective focused on companies with a competitive advantage that can adapt to industry changes [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company aims to identify businesses with a broad moat or deep-rooted competitive advantage that will persist over the years [1]. - In fast-changing industries, the focus is on whether companies possess the fundamental strength to adapt without losing their competitive edge [1]. - Quarterly developments are evaluated in the context of a company's long-term strategy, with recommendations for buy/sell positions based on significant deviations from this strategy [1].

Core Insights - Dutch Bros Inc. (BROS) is recognized as one of the fastest-growing beverage concepts in the U.S., with ongoing store openings raising questions about sustaining growth momentum [1] Group 1: Growth and Expansion - The foundation of Dutch Bros' growth is strong transaction momentum, achieving its fifth consecutive quarter of transaction growth with mid-single-digit same-shop sales gains, indicating genuine demand rather than inflation-driven sales [2][7] - The company plans to open approximately 175 new system shops in 2026, aiming for over 2,000 locations by 2029, with new shops generating record average unit volumes, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast [3][7] Group 2: Digital Initiatives and Challenges - Digital and loyalty initiatives, such as the Order Ahead feature and the Dutch Rewards program, which accounts for over 70% of system transactions, enhance scalability and customer engagement [4] - Despite challenges like rising coffee costs and increased labor investments, management believes disciplined execution and a strong development pipeline will sustain growth [4] Group 3: Stock Performance and Valuation - BROS shares have declined by 7.3% over the past six months, compared to a 3.8% decline in the industry, while competitors like Starbucks and Chipotle have seen larger declines [5] - The forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple for BROS is 5.2, higher than the industry average of 3.34, with competitors like Starbucks and Sweetgreen having lower multiples [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BROS' 2026 earnings per share has risen to 88 cents, projecting a 29.8% increase year-over-year, outperforming industry peers [11][13]

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) is prioritizing traffic and brand demand over short-term margin protection, indicating a strategic shift in response to consumer challenges [1][4] - The company is refraining from aggressive pricing to counter inflation, focusing instead on enhancing value perception through portion expansion, menu innovation, and increased marketing efforts [2][3] Financial Performance - Restaurant-level margin decreased by 100 basis points year-over-year to 24.5% in Q3 2025, attributed to higher marketing expenses, wage inflation, and the decision not to fully pass on rising food and tariff costs [2][11] - The forward price-to-sales ratio for Chipotle is currently at 3.82X, which is lower than the industry average [12] Strategic Positioning - Management views the current margin compression as a temporary dislocation rather than a structural change, betting on improved execution and loyalty engagement to restore traffic once consumer conditions improve [3][4] - Chipotle's strategy contrasts with peers like Sweetgreen and CAVA, as it is willing to accept near-term margin pressure without aggressive discounting, thereby reinforcing brand value [5][8] Market Context - Chipotle's shares have declined by 31.6% over the past six months, compared to a 3.7% decline in the industry [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chipotle's earnings suggests a year-over-year growth of 3.6% in 2025 and 4.7% in 2026 [14]

The results for the most recent quarter painted a similar picture as well. Revenues for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, came in at $3 billion. This denoted a yearly growth of 7.5% with the core Food and Beverage revenue going up by 7.6% in the same period to $2.99 billion. However, comparable restaurant sales remaining flat was a concern as inflationary pressures continued to hit discretionary spending of consumers. Consequently, the number of permanent closures in the September quarter rose to 4 fr ...

Key Points A tighter macro environment is hurting consumer spending, affecting Chipotle's same-store sales. The stock has pretty much never been cheaper in the past five years. 10 stocks we like better than Chipotle Mexican Grill › With more than 3,900 company-owned locations and $11.8 billion in trailing 12-month revenue, there's no question that Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is a dominant force in the restaurant industry broadly and the fast casual niche specifically. It's a popular choice am ...

As Americans get ready to celebrate Christmas, many will also be heading out in search of a meal. Fast food chains and restaurants often modify their operating hours on Christmas Eve, making it essential to plan ahead and check local timings before stepping out.Many fast food chains and restaurants operate with reduced or location-specific hours on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day closures are more common. Chains like McDonald’s, Waffle House and Dunkin’ are among the more reliable options on December 25. ...

Group 1 - A significant number of baristas who were on strike are set to return to work, with Starbucks Workers United issuing an unconditional return to work notice [1] - Employees at 166 out of 215 affected Starbucks locations have expressed their desire to return, although some locations will continue to be under a strike notice [1] Group 2 - The union has stated that baristas are still actively striking, indicating ongoing labor disputes [2] - Additionally, 19 more Starbucks locations have filed for a union election, suggesting a potential increase in unionization efforts within the company [2]

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Franz Kafka: 'Start with what is right rather than…'— Top quotes by the Absurdist fiction novelistShoppers are encouraged to confirm hours locally before heading out.Which stores are open on Christmas Day?If you need essentials on Christmas Day, options are limited but not nonexistent. A small group of stores and gas stations plan to stay open, though some locations may close early or adjust hours. Stores open include Albertsons, CVS, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Safeway, Walgreens at ...