America’s wealthiest neighborhoods have 6 restaurant chains in common, analysis finds

The Cheesecake Factory has been in the headlines after former President Barack Obama joked that President Donald Trump’s White House décor looked “like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” 

The remark sparked debate over whether the chain is a spot for everyday Americans, and a new analysis of restaurant chains near neighborhoods with higher and lower home values found where it ranks.

Home values near Cheesecake Factory restaurants were about 27% higher than in areas in the same region with similar population density, partly because many of them are located in upscale malls, The Washington Sun found. 

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The outlet analyzed data from Overture Maps, Zillow and the Census Bureau using a methodology adapted from housing expert Aziz Sunderji’s analysis of businesses near areas with higher and lower home values.

The analysis also found that businesses such as Club Pilates, Whole Foods, Warby Parker and Apple stores were associated with neighborhoods with higher home values, while Five Below, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and Planet Fitness were linked to areas with lower home values.

The Cheesecake Factory ranked third among restaurant chains for the highest home values near its locations. 

Below are the top five, with two chains tied for fifth.

1. Cava

For the fast-casual Mediterranean and Greek chain, home values within 3 miles of its locations were 39% higher than in areas in the same region with similar population density.

It traces its roots back to 2006, when three childhood friends opened a Greek restaurant honoring their shared heritage. They began selling dips in grocery stores in 2008 and launched the fast-casual chain in 2011. 

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Cava celebrated its 500th store opening in September, according to a news release.

2. Shake Shack

Home values near Shake Shacks were 38% higher than in similar areas. The burger chain began in 2001 as a hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park, launched by restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group to support a public art project.

Home values near Shake Shack locations were 38% higher than in comparable areas, the analysis found. (Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

Shake Shack’s popularity led to the first permanent location in 2004, according to its website. Since then, it has grown into an international fast-casual chain with hundreds of locations, known for its Angus beef burgers, crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes. 

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It helped define the mid-2010s era of premium fast-casual smash burgers. 

“We certainly didn’t invent them — but as a category, they now seem to be everywhere,” Meyer told Eater last year.

3. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory’s roots were in Beverly Hills, California, where David Overton opened the first restaurant in 1978 to showcase his mother Evelyn’s cheesecakes. 

She began baking cheesecakes in Detroit in the 1940s before opening a small bakery in Los Angeles in 1972.

The Cheesecake Factory, which opened its first location in 1978, ranks third among restaurant chains for the highest home values near its locations. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Decades later, it ranked third among restaurant chains in the analysis and has expanded to about 250 restaurants worldwide. 

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It has also cemented its place in American culture, synonymous with the suburban mall experience of the 1990s and 2000s and a symbol of American excess with its large portions, sprawling menu and over-the-top interior design.

4. P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s ranked fourth among the restaurant chains, with home values within 3 miles of its locations 26% higher than in comparable areas. 

The Asian-inspired chain is known for dishes such as Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef and is similarly tied to the casual-dining boom of the 1990s and 2000s. 

The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s are often found in malls and shopping centers. (Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)

Like The Cheesecake Factory, it serves generous portions and is a fixture in malls and shopping centers, with similarly elaborate decor.

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Founded in 1993 in Scottsdale, Arizona, it now operates more than 300 restaurants worldwide, spanning over 20 countries.

5. Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread (tied)

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread tied for fifth, with home values within 3 miles of both chains’ locations 17% higher than in comparable areas.

Chipotle was founded near the University of Denver in 1993, serving burritos inspired by San Francisco’s Mission District. 

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It has since grown to more than 4,000 restaurants across several international markets, offering customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and salads.

Panera and Chipotle tied for fifth in the analysis, with home values near their locations 17% higher than in comparable areas. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

Panera started as a bakery in 1987 and has grown to more than 2,250 bakery-cafes across 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada, focusing on soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. 

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Both commonly appear in suburban shopping centers and retail corridors, while Panera has announced plans to expand to locations such as hospitals and universities.

Fox News Digital reached out to all the chains for comment.