Cheesecake Factory Ranks Third in Pricey Areas

The Cheesecake Factory occupies the third position among restaurant chains located in American neighborhoods with the highest property values. A new analysis by The Washington Sun places the casual dining brand behind Cava and Shake Shack. The chain’s locations are associated with homes that cost significantly more than comparable properties in the same region.

The study measured home values within three miles of specific restaurant locations. It compared these figures to areas in the same region with similar population density. The Washington Sun used data from Overture Maps, Zillow, and the Census Bureau. The methodology was adapted from work by housing expert Aziz Sunderji.

Home values near Cheesecake Factory restaurants were approximately 27 percent higher than in those similar nearby areas. Many of the chain’s establishments are situated in upscale shopping malls. This placement contributes to the higher cost of surrounding real estate.

The top of the list belongs to Cava, the fast-casual Mediterranean and Greek chain. Home values within three miles of Cava locations were 39 percent higher than in comparable areas. The company opened its 500th store in September 2026. The brand started in 2006 when three friends opened a Greek restaurant. It launched its fast-casual model in 2011.

Shake Shack ranked second in the analysis. Property values near its burger locations were 38 percent higher than in similar regions. The chain began as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in 2001. Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group started the venture to support a public art project. The first permanent location opened in 2004. Meyer told Eater last year that the company did not invent smash burgers but helped popularize the category.

The Cheesecake Factory traces its origin to 1978 in Beverly Hills, California. Founder David Overton opened the first restaurant to showcase his mother Evelyn’s cheesecakes. She had been baking in Detroit since the 1940s and opened a bakery in Los Angeles in 1972. The chain has expanded to about 250 restaurants worldwide. It is widely recognized for its large portions and elaborate interior design.

P.F. Chang’s ranked fourth with home values 26 percent higher than in comparable areas. The Asian-inspired chain was founded in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1993. It now operates more than 300 restaurants in over 20 countries. The brand is known for dishes like Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread tied for fifth place. Home values near both chains were 17 percent higher than in similar areas. Chipotle was founded near the University of Denver in 1993 and now has more than 4,000 locations. Panera started as a bakery in 1987 and operates more than 2,250 cafes across 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario. Fox News Digital contacted all five chains for comment.