2010
25
$327,000
$30,000
$698,500
No
Chop Stop is revolutionizing the fast-casual dining scene by offering a fresh, healthy, and customizable alternative to traditional fast food. Founded in 2010 in California, Chop Stop specializes in chopped salads, rice and bean bowls, and wraps, catering to the growing demand for nutritious and convenient meal options. With a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, Chop Stop has established itself as a leader in the healthy dining sector. The brand's unique approach to meal customization and its focus on customer satisfaction have garnered a loyal following, making it an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about health-conscious dining.
Health-Conscious Consumer Trend: As more consumers prioritize healthy eating, Chop Stop's menu aligns perfectly with this shift, offering fresh and nutritious meals that cater to various dietary preferences.
Proven Business Model: With over 25 locations across the United States, Chop Stop has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability, providing a solid foundation for new franchisees.
Scalable Operations: The compact store design (1,100–1,500 sq. ft.) and efficient kitchen layout reduce overhead costs and simplify operations, making it easier to scale and manage multiple locations.
Comprehensive Support: Chop Stop offers extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring franchisees are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.
Veteran Incentives: Qualified veterans can receive up to $10,000 off the initial franchise fee, making this opportunity more accessible.
Founded: 2010
Chop Stop was established in 2010 in California, USA, with the vision of creating a fast-casual dining experience focused on fresh, healthy, and customizable meals. The brand was founded to cater to the growing demand for nutritious and convenient food options in the fast-food industry.
Founders: Mark Kulkis
The brand was founded by Mark Kulkis, who envisioned a restaurant that offered healthier alternatives to traditional fast-food options. His focus was on quality ingredients, fresh preparation, and customer-centric service, which set the foundation for the brand’s reputation.
Franchising Since: 2015
Chop Stop began offering franchise opportunities in 2015, aiming to expand its presence across the United States while maintaining consistent quality and operational standards.
Number of Units: 25+ (as of 2022)
The franchise has steadily grown since its inception, with over 25 units operating in key markets across the USA, primarily in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Utah. This growth demonstrates the brand’s scalability and strong market demand.
Ownership: Privately Owned
Chop Stop remains privately owned, allowing for more control over operational standards, menu quality, and strategic expansion decisions.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurants
Positioned in the fast-casual dining sector, Chop Stop focuses on a niche of health-conscious consumers looking for fast, customizable meals. This sector is experiencing steady growth as more customers shift away from traditional fast food toward healthier alternatives.
Market Presence:
Chop Stop has a solid foothold in the Western United States and is gradually expanding into other regions. Its strategic focus on high-traffic locations, shopping centers, and urban areas ensures consistent customer flow and brand visibility.
Brand Journey & Reputation:
Chop Stop started as a single location with a mission to offer fresh, chopped salads and bowls.
Over the years, it has built a reputation for quality, taste, and health-conscious menu options.
The brand is recognized for its customizable meals, allowing customers to mix and match ingredients according to their dietary preferences.
Chop Stop has become synonymous with convenient, healthy eating, positioning it as a leader in the niche of “healthy fast-casual” dining.
Key Takeaways:
A trusted, established brand with over a decade of market presence.
Proven business model with consistent growth and customer loyalty.
Strong foundation for new franchisees to enter the fast-casual health-focused dining market.
Chop Stop is committed to the success of its franchisees through comprehensive support and training:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Initial Training: A six-week program consisting of five weeks at the Glendale Training Center and one week at the franchisee's location, covering all aspects of operations, from food preparation to customer service.
Ongoing Support: Continuous operational guidance, marketing assistance, and access to a proprietary intranet platform for efficient business management.
Marketing Support: National and local advertising campaigns, social media strategies, and promotional materials to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
Technology Integration: Utilization of advanced POS and inventory systems to streamline operations and enhance profitability.
Chop Stop seeks franchisees who are passionate, motivated, and capable of successfully operating a fast-casual, health-focused restaurant. The ideal candidate combines business acumen, community engagement, and a genuine interest in healthy eating.
Key Characteristics:
Passion for Health and Wellness
Franchisees should have a strong interest in promoting nutritious, fresh, and wholesome meals.
A genuine commitment to helping customers make healthier food choices aligns with Chop Stop’s mission and brand values.
Customer-Oriented Mindset
The ideal franchisee values customer service and understands that exceptional guest experiences are essential for repeat business.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with the local community are highly valued.
Business & Management Skills
While prior experience in the restaurant industry is beneficial, it is not strictly required.
Candidates should have business management skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to oversee day-to-day operations, staff management, and financial performance.
Financial Capability
Franchisees must meet the financial requirements, including initial investment, working capital, and ongoing operational costs.
They should be prepared for the responsibilities of managing a profitable enterprise while adhering to Chop Stop’s operational standards.
Community Engagement
Ideal candidates are motivated to be active participants in their local communities, creating strong brand recognition and loyalty.
Franchisees should be enthusiastic about marketing initiatives, community events, and local promotions.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Successful franchisees are self-driven, proactive problem-solvers who thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
They are willing to follow established operational procedures while also exploring ways to grow their business within the Chop Stop framework.
Location & Commitment
Candidates should be willing to operate in areas with strong market potential, ideally urban or high-traffic locations.
A long-term commitment to growing the franchise and maintaining high standards is crucial.
Summary:
The ideal Chop Stop franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur who combines business savvy, financial stability, a passion for healthy eating, and strong community engagement. They are committed to upholding the brand’s standards and growing their location successfully while delivering a top-quality customer experience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $327,000 – $698,500 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of weekly net sales |
| Advertising Fee | Up to 2.5% of weekly net sales |
| Veteran Incentive | Up to $10,000 off initial franchise fee |
| Average Unit Revenue (2020) | $669,924 |
| Break-Even Time | 2–3 years (depending on location and market conditions) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering services, online ordering, delivery platforms |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included in total investment (store build-out, equipment, furniture, signage) |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment (to cover initial operations) |
| Marketing Budget | National & local campaigns included in advertising fee |
