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Chopt
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Chopt
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Chopt Creative Salad Company, commonly referred to as Chopt, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants with over 70 locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.[1] Founded in 2001 by Tony Shure and Colin McCabe, the company serves salads, warm grain bowls, and sandwich wraps.[2]

Key Information

The company features a selection of pre-made and customizable salads, along with a variety of dressings, grain and hot-top salads, wraps, and house-made iced teas and lemonades.[3]

[edit]

The company offers a selection of greens, proteins, vegetables, grains, and dressings. Customers can create their own salads or choose from a variety of pre-designed options, such as the Mexican Caesar, Kebab Cobb, and Crispy Chicken Ranch. In addition to salads, Chopt serves warm grain bowls, wraps, and soups.

Chopt also has a rotating seasonal menu, which features limited-time items inspired by different cuisines and regions.

Food preparation

[edit]

Customers are able to order from varied salad or salad-sandwich options, which are chopped with a mezzaluna knife before being dressed and served.[4]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chopt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chopt Creative Salad Company, commonly known as Chopt, is an American fast-casual specializing in customizable , warm grain bowls, and wraps made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a variety of dressings and proteins. It is a of Founders Table Restaurant Group. Founded in 2001 by Tony Shure and Colin McCabe in New York City's Union Square, the company began with a mission to make healthy eating exciting through innovative flavor combinations and high-quality produce sourced locally whenever possible. Over the years, Chopt has expanded significantly, reaching approximately 100 locations across 12 markets, including New York, , , , the District of Columbia, Maryland, , , , Georgia, , and , as of November 2025, with recent expansions such as the first location in , in July 2025. The chain emphasizes , partnering with local farms and artisans for ingredients, and has introduced features like the Chopt Gives program to support community initiatives such as school wellness programs. Its menu highlights seasonal offerings, such as the and Chicken Tinga Warm Bowl, alongside over 200 limited-time dressings developed since inception, reflecting a commitment to bold flavors and customization.

History

Founding and early years

Chopt Creative Salad Company was founded in 2001 by college friends Tony Shure and Colin McCabe, who sought to create a fast-casual dining option centered on customizable salads in . The duo opened their first restaurant in Union Square, aiming to transform the perception of salads from mundane to innovative and appealing. From the outset, and McCabe's mission was to make healthy eating exciting and accessible to everyone, with a strong emphasis on in salad preparation to encourage personalization and enjoyment. They prioritized premium, seasonal ingredients sourced through direct relationships with local farmers and global artisans, establishing a approach that ensured freshness and quality in every dish. The initial menu drew inspiration from diverse global flavors, blending authentic international elements with high-quality produce to offer bold, inventive options that set Chopt apart in the early salad landscape. This focus on culinary creativity and ingredient integrity laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation as a pioneer in the premium fast-casual segment.

Growth and expansion

Chopt began its expansion beyond its original location in the mid-, gradually extending into neighboring states and the Mid-Atlantic region. By , the company had grown to 32 restaurants, primarily in New York, with investments from private equity firm and The providing capital to accelerate further development. This funding supported a strategic push into new markets, emphasizing company-owned units and a focus on premium, customizable offerings to differentiate in the fast-casual segment. The chain's growth accelerated in the late 2010s, reaching 57 locations by early 2019 across New York, , , , and other East Coast areas. By the end of 2023, Chopt operated 88 restaurants in multiple states east of the , with plans to open approximately 15 new locations annually to sustain momentum. This expansion included entry into 11 key markets by the mid-2020s: New York, , , , , , , , , Georgia, and . Post-2019, Chopt shifted emphasis toward suburban markets to capture broader consumer demand, moving away from dense urban centers. In 2022, the company opened seven units in Georgia, , and , enhancing its presence in these growing areas. This suburban strategy aligned with the rollout of the "Chopt 4.0" store design, introduced in subsequent years, which incorporates digital-first elements like kiosks and order-ahead capabilities, alongside sustainable features to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact. In 2025, Chopt expanded into with openings in Westlake and at Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere near , marking its entry into the state. Additionally, the chain expanded within Georgia by opening its first Savannah restaurant in July, further solidifying its Southern footprint. By November 2025, Chopt had grown to 100 locations across 12 markets. These milestones reflect Chopt's ongoing commitment to scalable, quality-driven expansion while maintaining control over all operations through its parent entity.

Business operations

Locations and markets

As of November 2025, Chopt operates 100 locations across the . The chain's footprint is heavily concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, where it maintains a strong presence in urban and suburban settings. Key markets include New York, , , , , , and , reflecting a focus on high-density population areas along the East Coast. In its home base of , Chopt has a particularly dense network, with more than 30 locations primarily in and , catering to the fast-paced demands of city dwellers. These include prominent urban storefronts and innovative integrations within transportation hubs, such as the at 383 West 31st Street and the LIRR terminal in Penn Station at 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, which opened in 2024 to serve commuters with quick-service options. Further south, the chain has established a foothold in markets like (with 11 locations), , Georgia, and , emphasizing accessibility in growing metropolitan areas. In 2025, Chopt entered the market with new openings, including suburban shopping centers such as Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere (grand opening in September) and Crocker Commons in Westlake (opened in August). Chopt enhances its operational presence through robust digital integrations for delivery and pickup, available via its official app and , which support customized orders for quick fulfillment. The chain also offers Chopt Drop, a group ordering service providing free delivery to offices and events, alongside compatibility with third-party platforms to broaden reach in all markets. This multi-channel approach allows seamless access in both dense urban environments and expanding suburban locales.

Ownership and investments

Chopt Creative Salad Company operates as a privately held entity backed by , maintaining a -owned store model without as of 2025. This allows for centralized control over operations and consistency across its locations. A pivotal investment occurred in 2015 when , a consumer-focused , and The provided significant funding to support expansion, growing the chain from 32 locations to over 70 by the early 2020s. has remained the majority owner, facilitating further developments such as the 2020 acquisition of Dos Toros Taqueria under a new , Founders Table. This infusion totaled part of over $147 million in funding rounds, including subsequent debt financing, enabling sustained growth in the fast-casual sector. Founders Tony Shure and Colin McCabe, who established the company in 2001, continue to play roles in shaping its operational vision and strategic direction. Their ongoing involvement underscores a commitment to the brand's core principles amid stewardship. Operational investments have included enhancements to digital infrastructure, such as the launch of an upgraded Chopt Rewards program in 2024, integrated with a for order customization, point accumulation, and personalized perks. This tiered loyalty system supports customer engagement without subscription fees, reflecting broader efforts to leverage technology for efficiency and retention.

Core menu items

Chopt's core menu revolves around customizable salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and seasonal specials, emphasizing fresh, chopped ingredients for a fast-casual dining experience. Signature salads form the foundation, offering pre-designed combinations that highlight diverse flavors and textures. These include the Southwestern Steak Salad, featuring seared steak, chips, corn, black beans, pickled red onions, peppers, and a blend of romaine, , and cilantro. The Kale Caesar Salad consists of aged , artisan croutons, and a mix of and romaine, typically paired with creamy Caesar dressing. Similarly, the Mexican Caesar Salad incorporates , peppers, chips, and a romaine- blend, dressed with Mexican Caesar. Other signature options continue this variety, such as the Shrimp Spring Roll Salad, which includes shrimp, red bell peppers, crispy wontons, carrots, English cucumber, pickled red onions, and a romaine-cabbage-cilantro base, served with creamy dressing. The Classic features grilled , , all-natural smoked , cage-free , , grape tomatoes, and romaine, complemented by buttermilk . The Santa Fe Salad offers , grape tomatoes, corn, pepper jack cheese, crispy shallots, and romaine, finished with sweet and smoky . Rounding out the lineup, the Chopt comprises cheese, English cucumber, grape tomatoes, SIMPLi olives, pita chips, chickpeas, and romaine, drizzled with Chopt . Beyond salads, Chopt provides warm grain bowls as hearty alternatives, such as the Honey BBQ Bowl, built on a base of warm grains or cauliflower rice, topped with Honey BBQ sauce, warm roasted chicken, creamy cabbage slaw, Grillo's dill pickles, crispy shallots, red bell peppers, and corn. Wraps transform these combinations into portable formats, using a whole-wheat tortilla filled with greens and four choppings of choice. Sandwich options are limited but align with wrap-style assemblies for on-the-go meals. Seasonal BBQ menu items, like the Cajun Shrimp Salad, introduce limited-time flavors with wild-caught shrimp seasoned in Cajun spices, paired with complementary choppings and a housemade Cajun ranch dressing. Customization is a hallmark, allowing diners to select bases like greens, warm grains, or wraps; incorporate premium proteins such as or ; and choose from over 18 dressings, including options like balsamic , , and . Beverages are straightforward, featuring limited selections of bottled drinks such as sodas, iced teas, and waters to pair with meals. Sides and add-ons enhance versatility, including croutons, pickled onions, and other choppings for texture and flavor.

Food preparation and ingredients

Chopt emphasizes a hands-on approach to food preparation, where fresh is chopped in-house daily to ensure maximum freshness and flavor integration. This process involves skilled staff assembling through a "creative salad" method, allowing customers to mix and match bases such as various greens, toppings, proteins, and over 18 dressings for personalized bowls. All items are prepared to order, avoiding pre-packaged components to maintain quality and reduce processing steps. Ingredient sourcing at Chopt prioritizes partnerships with over 500 local farms and artisan producers, focusing on seasonal produce within a 400-mile radius whenever possible to support regional agriculture and deliver bold, globally inspired flavors like those in their Mexican Caesar or Sonoma dressings. Collaborations include family-run farms for from Seed + Mill, sustainable Greek olives from SIMPLi, and estate-grown olive oil from , alongside antibiotic-free chicken and cage-free eggs for proteins. The company avoids artificial preservatives, committing to high-quality, plant-forward items that align with their "better tastes better" philosophy. Preparation standards incorporate by using 100% compostable sugar cane bowls for all orders, which break down naturally without generating new waste, and minimizing assembly waste through precise portioning. Nutritional transparency is provided via detailed information and ranges for menu items, typically spanning 300-800 calories per salad depending on customizations, to help customers make informed choices.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility

Environmental initiatives

Chopt has committed to reducing plastic waste by eliminating single-use plastics across all locations and adopting 100% compostable bowls made from for all menu items. These bowls naturally break down without generating additional waste, a practice implemented in the early 2020s to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the company has introduced infinitely recyclable beverage options to further curb . In its , Chopt prioritizes by sourcing local from within 400 miles whenever possible and partnering with farms and suppliers that employ sustainable practices, including support for minority- and women-owned businesses. The menu's 75% plant-based composition helps reduce carbon output by approximately 30% compared to traditional restaurants. To address food waste, Chopt relies on daily fresh preparation of ingredients, ensuring minimal spoilage while maintaining quality. The company has set a goal to reduce overall by 25%, focusing on carbon-favorable sourcing and operations. Chopt's store designs incorporate energy-efficient features through its "Chopt 4.0" prototype, including advanced HVAC systems that lower GHG emissions by 15-31% per store and avoid 1.7-5.7 metric tons of emissions annually. These layouts also feature smaller equipment inventories, cutting emissions by 5-22% and preventing 1-6 metric tons of emissions yearly, while optimizing space to minimize . Through partnerships, Chopt collaborates with organizations like SIMPLi for sustainably sourced olives and Proud Source Water for eco-friendly alkaline spring water, as well as SLR International for energy-efficient store designs. In late , Chopt launched a collaboration with S'well to offer a 64oz reusable available for purchase and use at select locations, promoting reduced reliance on disposable .

Community involvement

Chopt has engaged in charitable events through soft openings of new locations, where proceeds are donated to local organizations addressing hunger and needs. For instance, during the August 2025 soft opening of its Eton Chagrin Boulevard restaurant in Woodmere, , Chopt donated 100% of sales to the Ohio Children's Hunger Alliance, supporting efforts to combat childhood hunger in the region. Similarly, the 2021 soft opening in Fairfax City, , benefited a local charity focused on welfare, and the 2023 pre-opening event in Cabin John Village, , directed funds to hunger relief initiatives. The company maintains partnerships with local artisans for sourcing ingredients and collaborates with hunger relief organizations as part of its Chopt Gives program, which has supported community causes for over a decade. Through Chopt Gives, a portion of proceeds from designated menu items is donated to nonprofits addressing food insecurity, such as the Ohio Children's Hunger Alliance and others in new markets. Additionally, Chopt's rewards program enables customers to redeem points for charitable donations alongside free items or discounts, tying everyday purchases to philanthropy. Chopt emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in its team culture, encouraging applications from people of color, LGBTQ+, non-binary individuals, veterans, parents, and those with disabilities as an employer. This approach extends to community hiring practices in new markets, fostering inclusive teams that reflect local demographics and promote a supportive, fast-paced work environment. Brand activations include collaborations with athletes to create limited-edition menu items that support sports communities. In March 2025, Chopt partnered with professional hockey player to launch the Power Play Steak Salad, featuring romaine, steak, grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, parmesan, croutons, and creamy , with proceeds benefiting youth sports programs. Earlier, a 2024 partnership with NASCAR champion introduced the Kale , raising funds for public schools and athletic initiatives.

References

  1. https://www.choptsalad.com/our-story
  2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystern/2019/02/07/competing-one-salad-at-a-time-why-chopt-creative-salad-is-thriving/
  3. https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/chopt-continues-expansion-into-suburban-markets
  4. https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Chopt-USA/
  5. https://www.cbinsights.com/company/chopt-creative-salad-co
  6. https://www.crainscleveland.com/restaurants/chopt-creative-salad-co-open-first-ohio-locations-august
  7. https://voyageatl.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-tony-shure-of-chopt-creative-salad-co/
  8. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/chopt-creative-salad-company
  9. https://ediblemanhattan.com/progressives/chopt/
  10. https://www.choptsalad.com/sustainability
  11. https://www.lcatterton.com/Investments.html#!current/M:nag_major/founderstable
  12. https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/chopt-to-open-first-location-in-savannah-georgia/
  13. https://poidata.io/brand-report/chopt-creative-salad-co/united-states
  14. https://www.choptsalad.com/our-locations
  15. https://www.choptsalad.com/location/moynihan-food-hall
  16. https://www.choptsalad.com/location/penn-station-lirr
  17. https://etonchagrinblvd.com/chopt-creative-salad-co-announces-new-location-at-eton-chagrin-blvd-opening-in-2025/
  18. https://www.facebook.com/GoodmanRealEst/posts/we-are-excited-to-announce-that-chopt-creative-salad-co-in-crocker-commons-will-/1406254670853950/
  19. https://www.choptsalad.com/locations
  20. https://www.choptsalad.com/chopt-drop
  21. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/13464-46
  22. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chopt-creative-salad-company-receives-significant-investment-from-catterton-and-hain-celestial-300170082.html
  23. https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/chopt-buys-dos-toros-forms-new-holding-company/570962/
  24. https://www.linkedin.com/company/chop%27t-creative-salad-company
  25. https://www.nrn.com/regional-chains/chopt-partners-with-fitness-influencer-cody-rigsby-launches-new-app
  26. https://www.fastcasual.com/news/chopt-upgrades-rewards-program/
  27. https://postmates.com/store/chopt-creative-salad-wfc/HMWopUhhQwKZyG0cQ9UrNw/ca1d3bcf-f6a6-5f60-bff8-5bb01149e487/5bf70f90-4383-5b65-827d-49274dca8772/5c6d5151-4bf2-52fb-987e-729e60abc346
  28. https://www.choptsalad.com/menu
  29. https://assets.choptsalad.com/pdfs/standard/suburban.pdf
  30. https://assets.choptsalad.com/pdfs/web/chopt_seasonal_nutritional_information.pdf
  31. https://www.choptsalad.com/
  32. https://www.eatthis.com/news-salad-chains-highest-quality-ingredients/
  33. https://patch.com/new-york/larchmont/chopt-creative-salad-company-freshly-open-mamaroneck
  34. https://www.choptsalad.com/nutrition-and-allergens
  35. https://patch.com/virginia/fairfaxcity/chopt-opens-fairfax-city-location-early-benefit-local-charity
  36. https://patch.com/maryland/bethesda-chevychase/chopt-preps-opening-new-restaurant-cabin-john-village-center
  37. https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/chopt-launches-new-donations-program/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/choptsalad/posts/for-10-years-chopt-gives-has-supported-chopt-communities-by-raising-funds-for-or/10160357831481490/
  39. https://www.choptsalad.com/rewards
  40. https://assets.choptsalad.com/pdfs/web/chopt_rewards_faq.pdf
  41. https://www.choptsalad.com/careers
  42. https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Chopt-Creative-Salad-Company-EI_IE706734.11%2C39.htm
  43. https://www.facebook.com/choptsalad/posts/weve-teamed-up-with-professional-hockey-player-alexis-lafreni%25C3%25A8re-to-bring-you-la/1073438174825495/
  44. https://jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org/news/nascars-jimmie-johnson-announces-partnership-with-chopt-creative-salad-co-at-daytona-500/
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