Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has been one of the best-performing restaurant stocks over the last 15 years. While early investors have made a lot of money even off a small investment, newer investors should still be encouraged by Chipotle's recent business performance and its impact on the stock's return.

Earnings per share surged 540% over the last five years. That massive increase in profitability helped drive the share price up 346%, which would have turned a $10,000 investment into $44,670. Management's focus on profitably expanding the store base means the stock's run is unlikely to be over.

Chipotle just turned in another impressive report for the first quarter. Revenue jumped 14% year over year, while adjusted earnings increased 27%. Management sees full-year comparable-restaurant sales rising in the mid- to high-single-digit range, which should translate into double-digit growth in revenue and earnings.

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Source Fool.com