JPMorgan is gaining confidence in shares of Cava even after its 80% post- initial public offering run. CAVA YTD mountain Cava shares since going public "We agree with the market's implicit positive view on the medium/long term story of CAVA," he wrote in a Monday note. Key to Ivankoe's investment rationale is Cava's well-managed model and large end-market opportunities as a Mediterranean chain. A Mediterranean 'category killer' Other Wall Street firm's also initiated coverage of Cava with overweight and buy ratings. Elsewhere, Stifel's Chris O'Cull called Cava a "compelling restaurant growth investment" with a justified premium valuation given its "impressive unit-level economics" and expansion opportunities.

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Persons: John Ivankoe, CAVA, firm's, Alexander Slagle, Piper Sandler's Brian Mullan, Stifel's Chris O'Cull, Morgan, Brian Harbour, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: JPMorgan, D.C, Cava, Jefferies Locations: Cava, CAVA, Washington