"Cava Group's IPO and Wall Street's Comparison to Chipotle Ignite Investor Interest"

Wall Street has initiated coverage on Cava, the newly publicly traded Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain, with six Buy ratings, three Holds, and zero Sells. Analysts believe Cava's $4.8 billion valuation is justified by its annual unit volume, unit growth opportunity, and potential for solid operating momentum. They see Cava as a clear leader in the Mediterranean fast-casual space, with a total addressable market that can match that of rival chain Chipotle. The company's acquisition of Zoes Kitchen and its national presence provide a strong foundation for future growth. Analysts expect Cava to achieve significant revenue and EBITDA growth, with potential for over $2.5 billion in revenue and $400 million of adjusted EBITDA by 2032.