Chipotle , Cava, and Sweetgreen are all confronting a marked consumer spending slowdown in 2025, evident in disappointing sales, flat or declining customer traffic, and lowered forecasts.

This reflects a broader malaise in the fast-casual sector, where value-driven diners are pulling back, and macroeconomic headwinds are pressuring even the strongest brands.

Chipotle

Q2 same-store sales dropped 4% , steered by a 4.9% fall in transactions despite modest check averages ticking up.

CEO Scott Boatwright directly linked the decline to consumer caution.

“I think the underlying trend … is really tied to the consumer sitting on the sideline,” he said , citing increased price sensitivity, an uncertain economic climate, and the challenge of lapping last year’s promotional successes. “Ma

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