Over the last 20 years,  stock has put up monster returns. Posting a total return level of 7,000% since its initial public offering (IPO), the stock has crushed the S 500's 459% return over that same time frame. Through strong same-store sales and unit volume growth, Chipotle has been able to consistently grow revenue and earnings over the last 20 years, rewarding shareholders in the process.

But today, Chipotle stock is expensive, sporting a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 67. With thousands of restaurants across the United States, the stock is much less appealing from a growth perspective compared to 10 or 15 years ago. That is why investors looking for restaurant stocks should focus their research on small companies that could be the next Chipotle, or the restaurant stock that puts up market-trouncing returns for 15 years.

So, what restaurant is the next Chipotle? I think a fantastic candidate is Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO). Here's why investors should buy this beaten-down restaurant stock and hold it for the long term.

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Source Fool.com