Our Story
Chopt was born in 2012 from a simple but powerful idea: that bold, fresh, handcrafted food should be the everyday standard — not a luxury. Founded in Washington, DC, the chopt restaurant started as a single location committed to sourcing the finest local ingredients and transforming them into vibrant, nourishing meals.
What began as a neighborhood favorite quickly grew into something much larger. Word spread about Chopt's commitment to quality — real ingredients, no shortcuts, generous portions, and flavors that genuinely excite. Today, we proudly serve thousands of guests across the United States, staying true to the same founding principles.
At Chopt, every bowl is an act of care. Our chefs obsess over every detail — from the crunch of freshly chopped greens to the balance of our house-made dressings. We believe food has the power to bring people together, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Partnered with local farms for the freshest produce daily.
Every dish is handcrafted with genuine care and attention.
Built on relationships with guests, staff, and neighbors.
Recognized for excellence in fresh food and hospitality.
Why We Exist
We exist to reimagine how people eat every day — making fresh, bold, and nourishing food accessible, joyful, and deeply satisfying.
To serve bold, handcrafted food that nourishes the body and delights the senses — prepared fresh, served with warmth, and sourced responsibly from trusted local partners.
A world where everyone has access to exceptional food that is as good for the planet as it is for people — where eating well is the norm, not the exception.
Every visit to Chopt should feel like a gift to yourself — great flavors, honest ingredients, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience from the first bite to the last.
Our Journey
From a single chopt restaurant location to a beloved brand — here's how our journey unfolded.
We opened our first chopt restaurant location at 730 7th St NW, Washington, DC — a compact kitchen with a big dream. Day one sold out by noon, and we knew we were onto something special.
We formalized partnerships with five local farms in the mid-Atlantic region, guaranteeing fresh, seasonal ingredients. This commitment transformed the quality of every dish on our menu.
Chopt was recognized as one of DC's Best Fresh Food Restaurants by regional food critics. The award validated our approach and brought an exciting wave of new guests through our doors.
We debuted our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever to enjoy Chopt at home or at the office. Online orders skyrocketed, accounting for 40% of all transactions within the first year.
During challenging times, Chopt launched a community meals program, donating thousands of fresh bowls to healthcare workers and families in need across Washington, DC — because food is care.
Chopt expanded its reach across the United States with new catering partnerships and a refreshed menu featuring exciting new grain bowls, wraps, and seasonal creations — all crafted with the same love as day one.
What We Stand For
These aren't just words on a wall — they guide every decision we make, every dish we create, and every interaction we have.
We never compromise on freshness. Every ingredient is sourced daily and prepared in-house. If it's not fresh, it's not on the menu.
We're transparent about our ingredients, our sourcing, and our practices. You deserve to know exactly what you're eating and where it comes from.
Sustainability isn't optional. From compostable packaging to minimizing food waste, we continuously work to reduce our environmental footprint.
Our team is our greatest ingredient. We invest in our people — fair wages, growth opportunities, and a culture of respect and belonging.
The People Behind The Food
Passionate, talented, and obsessed with great food — our team is the heart of Chopt. Every bowl starts with these dedicated individuals.
Marcus brought 15 years of culinary expertise to Chopt when he co-founded the restaurant in 2012. His passion for seasonal, local ingredients drives every menu innovation.
Sophia ensures every Chopt location runs with seamless precision. Her operational genius has been key to maintaining consistency as we've scaled across the United States.
Daniel leads our culinary innovation team, constantly experimenting with new flavor profiles and seasonal inspirations. He's the creative force behind our most beloved signature bowls.
Amara is the reason every Chopt visit feels warm and welcoming. She champions our guest-first culture and trains every team member to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Want to be part of the Chopt team?
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