About Chopt
We're more than a chopt restaurant — we're a community built on real ingredients, bold flavors, and a passion for nourishing the people of New York.
The Chopt Story
Chopt was born from a simple belief: that a great salad could be just as satisfying, inventive, and craveable as any other meal. Founded in 2001 at a single corner location in Midtown Manhattan, our founders Tony Shure and Colin McCabe set out to reinvent what "fast food" could mean in New York City.
From hand-chopping fresh produce every morning to sourcing ingredients from farms we trust, every detail at our chopt restaurant is intentional. Over two decades later, we've grown from that one corner to locations across the East Coast — but our commitment to quality, community, and creativity has never wavered.
Today, Chopt continues to push the boundaries of what a salad can be, blending global flavors with locally sourced ingredients to create bold, nourishing meals that keep our guests coming back.
Mission & Values
Everything we do at Chopt flows from a core belief in doing things the right way — for our guests, our team, and our planet.
"To reimagine what a salad can be — and through it, make bold, nourishing food accessible, exciting, and deeply satisfying for every person who walks through our doors."
Fresh Quality
We hand-chop fresh produce every morning and source ingredients from farms we know and trust. No shortcuts, ever.
Bold Creativity
Our culinary team draws inspiration from global cuisines to craft flavor combinations that surprise and delight every palate.
Community First
We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — from partnering with local farmers to supporting food access programs across New York.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to zero-waste kitchens, we take our responsibility to the planet seriously at every level.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team of culinary creators, operators, and community builders are the heart and soul of the Chopt restaurant experience.
Tony Shure
Co-Founder & CEOTony co-founded Chopt in 2001 with a vision to make extraordinary salads accessible to all New Yorkers. His passion for food innovation continues to drive our menu philosophy.
Maria Santos
Executive ChefWith a background in fine dining across three continents, Maria brings fearless creativity to every seasonal menu update, blending global flavors with local produce.
James Walker
Head of OperationsJames ensures that every Chopt location delivers a consistent, welcoming experience. His systems thinking keeps our kitchens running smoothly and our guests smiling.
Priya Nair
Director of SustainabilityPriya leads our commitment to eco-conscious operations — from farm partnerships to zero-waste packaging — ensuring Chopt is as good for the earth as it is for your body.
Want to join our growing team of food lovers?
View Open PositionsOur History
From a single corner in Midtown to a beloved New York institution — here's how the Chopt story unfolded.
The First Chop
Tony Shure and Colin McCabe open the very first Chopt location on 60th & Lexington in Manhattan. Armed with sharp knives and a bold idea, they begin hand-chopping salads to order for the Midtown lunch crowd.
Growing Roots
Chopt expands to five locations across Manhattan. The signature "Mexican Caesar" and "Spicy Thai" salads become cult favorites, cementing Chopt's reputation as the go-to lunch destination for discerning New Yorkers.
Farm to Fork Commitment
Chopt launches its first formal farm partnership program, sourcing seasonal greens, vegetables, and herbs directly from family farms across New York and New Jersey. Our sustainability journey begins in earnest.
East Coast Expansion
The Chopt restaurant brand expands beyond New York, opening locations in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston. The award-winning digital ordering platform launches, transforming how guests interact with our menu.
Zero-Waste Kitchen Initiative
Chopt introduces fully compostable packaging across all locations and launches the Zero-Waste Kitchen Initiative, diverting over 90% of kitchen waste from landfills. Named one of New York's most sustainable restaurant brands.
A New Chapter
Chopt reimagines its flagship New York location with a stunning new interior, expands the warm grain bowl menu, and introduces a rotating Global Kitchen series — celebrating cuisines from around the world, one bowl at a time.