Cava shares fell 16% Wednesday after reporting weaker-than-expected quarterly same-store sales growth of 2.1%, far below Wall Street’s 6.1% forecast.

The drop reflects a broader slowdown in fast-casual dining, as chains like Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Sweetgreen also report declining traffic and cautious consumers amid economic uncertainty.

Executives cite “consumer fog” and low sentiment as key factors, though some chains are seeing modest recovery in Q3.

Investors have punished the sector, with Sweetgreen down 70% and Cava down 37% so far in 2025, while Wingstop remains an outlier with gains, CNBC has reported.

Chains are responding with promotions and menu adjustments to attract diners back.