A sign is posted in front of a Chili's restaurant in Rohnert Park, California, on Dec. 13, 2024.

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

Restaurant stocks have split sharply this year. And it could be tied to how many brands they own.

Shares of Brinker International , Darden Restaurants and Restaurant Brands International are up roughly 32%, 18% and 12%, respectively, year to date. Those companies all own more than one restaurant chain, with brands collectively ranging from Chili's to Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Burger King and Tim Hortons.

Meanwhile, stocks like McDonald's , Chipotle , Cava , Wendy's , Shake Shack and Domino's have all dropped this year, with several down double-digit percentages.…