Are drive-thrus in Chipotle’s future?

A JPMorgan analyst who upgraded the burrito chain’s stock on Thursday to “overweight” predicted Chipotle will recover from a months-long food safety crisis that has cost the company three years of earnings growth.

But Chipotle could rebound more quickly if it courted motoists, extended its hours and ran more promotions, according to analyst John Ivankoe.

Drive-thrus would “increase customer usability,” he wrote.

The drive-thru idea has been kicked around before and was shot down by co-Chief Executive Steven Ells, who said it was too down market for the brand and smacks of fast-food.

Shares rose 2.5 percent, to close at $456, on Thursday.