Despite high gasoline and food prices, restaurant chains have performed well during the recession and stand to benefit from recovery dynamics. According to this AP story, analysts Brad Ludington and John Dravenstott noted in a recent research note that their stock index of 39 restaurants is up 12.5 percent since the beginning of the year, versus 5.8 percent for the S&P 500.

The two are expecting chains including Cracker Barrel Old Country Store could see a boost from the return of business travel and reiterated their 'buy' on the stock, among those of other chains. If they're right, it would be a welcome development for Cracker Barrel, which is struggling with a downward trend in restaurant traffic.