Restaurant stocks are back in favor, Piper Jaffray analyst Nicole Miller Regan tells investors in a research note. She believes "we are at the mid-point of the current contraction phase." Fewer stocks, a fundamentally improved supply/demand balance resulting in improved sales performance, and ongoing consolidation lend valuation support, says the analyst. She views restaurant sector as being favorably positioned "as investors shift their perspective to the eventual expansion cycle." Miller Regan's top stock recommendations for 2019 include companies with "operational momentum and strong culture as drivers," namely Darden (DRI), McDonald's (MCD) and Shake Shack (SHAK), as well as companies she has a high level of conviction on recovery situations, like Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). Those four are her top picks for 2019.