Renewed Appetite for Restaurant Stocks

By Chuck LeBeau, director of analytics at www.SmartStops.net.

Restaurant stocks were particularly hard hit in 2008 as investors lost their appetite for stocks in general and assumed that the failing economy and unemployment would keep restaurant customers at home. For a while it looked like many chains might be facing bankruptcy. However, those grim predictions have not materialized and restaurant stocks have recovered nicely along with the rest of the market. Here is a buffet of restaurant stocks to stimulate your appetite for profits.

Bob Evans Farms(BOBE Quote) has jumped more than 20% since it closed at $26.80 on Tuesday of this week. The firm operates Mimi's Café and Bob Evans restaurants. Last week the company reported earnings of 69 cents per share for the quarter ended April 24 vs. 52 cents per share a year ago.

Shares of Cheesecake Factory(CAKE Quote) have recovered and nearly tripled from a March low of $6.84 with a May high of $18.53.

Chipotle Mexican Grill(CMG Quote) has seen its stock bounce from a December low of $36.86 to trade above $92 in May.

Darden Restaurants(DRI Quote) had a November low of $13.21 and reached $41.21 in April.

Ruth's Hospitality Group(RUTH Quote) looked unappetizing in March when it was trading at 74 cents. Recently it has traded above $4.

Yum Brands(YUM Quote) had a low of $23.37 in March and has been trading above $36 this week.

Chasing after these fast moving stocks is not without its risks. According to the latest information from SmartStops.net, here are the price levels that would indicate that these stocks are trouble: Bob Evans at $25.43; Cheesecake Factory at $14.60; Chipotle at $75.91; Darden at $32.95; Ruth's at $3.27; and Yum! at $32.52.

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