Starbucks' Surprise Surge Leaves McDonald's in the Dust

This year's restaurant stock scoreboard has favored companies undergoing structural change over those maintaining stability.

The numbers tell the story, with Starbucks' (NASDAQ:SBUX | SBUX Price Prediction) stock rising by 23% to $103.32 so far in 2026.

Meanwhile, McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) shares have fallen 12% to $269.61 and Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) is down 5% at $35.15.

The Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (NYSEARCA:PBJ) has managed an 8% gain year-to-date, but lags behind Starbucks' performance.

Starbucks' market capitalization has grown to $117.73 billion, with the company's China restructuring and operating reset being viewed as credible structural change by Wall Street.