RBC Capital Markets highlighted Dutch Bros, Inc. and Wingstop, Inc. as leading restaurant stock picks for 2026, citing their attractive growth outlooks and solid business foundations. This endorsement arrives as the competitive restaurant sector increasingly values innovation, operational efficiency, and expansion. Both firms appear well positioned to capitalize on unit growth and same-store sales enhancements to drive investor value.

RBC Capital Markets Highlights Growth in Restaurants Sector

Dutch Bros has carved a niche in the drive-thru specialty beverage segment, focusing on coffee and energy drinks that resonate with Gen Z consumers. The company operates over 1,000 U.S. locations but retains substantial room for expansion and increased brand recognition. In the third quarter of 2025, Dutch Bros reported revenues of $424 million, surpassing analyst estimates and leading to an upward revision of full-year 2025 revenue guidance. Catalysts include expanding food options and enhanced mobile ordering technology aimed at boosting morning transaction volumes, where Dutch Bros currently captures roughly one-third of activity compared to competitors’ approximate 50%. RBC notes the specialty beverage market’s growth potential can accommodate multiple large players, mitigating some competitive risks through 2026.

Wingstop also ranks highly in RBC’s 2026 restaurant stock recommendations, supported by a strong unit growth projection of 16.0%, with potential upside beyond consensus. The franchise model offers impressive returns on capital near 70%, alongside a relatively modest $500,000 upfront investment. Analysts forecast same-store sales growth of 2.6%, with several upcoming initiatives—such as new marketing efforts targeting diverse and affluent consumers, the launch of the company’s first loyalty program by late Q2, and kitchen display systems that expand delivery coverage by four times—expected to bolster this figure. Wingstop reached a milestone by opening its 3,000th global restaurant. Despite a slowdown in traffic and a dip in same-store sales during Q3 2025, the company posted record adjusted EBITDA growth.

Sector and Market Implications for Restaurants

Both Dutch Bros and Wingstop demonstrate sizable opportunities for unit growth, supported by multiple same-store sales drivers and margin improvement potential. RBC acknowledges uncertainties around longer-term margin outlooks, competitive dynamics, and valuation benchmarks but remains optimistic about these companies’ ability to execute their strategic plans effectively.

As consumer preferences evolve and competition intensifies within restaurants, RBC’s top picks embody critical themes of innovation, scalable business models, and operational resilience. Investors should closely monitor these stocks throughout 2026 for indicators such as unit expansion progress and same-store sales performance.

Restaurants: Market Outlook

RBC Capital Markets’ emphasis on Dutch Bros and Wingstop underscores their considerable unit growth potential and operational excellence in the restaurant sector. With recent third-quarter financials confirming robust revenue and EBITDA performance, these stocks offer investors meaningful exposure to differentiated concepts amid an increasingly competitive landscape. Both companies’ focus on expanding their footprint and enhancing same-store sales trends positions them well to capture growth opportunities in 2026 and beyond.