Chopt began with a simple but powerful idea: that fast food could also be fresh food — and that a truly satisfying meal should nourish your body without compromising on bold, exciting flavors. Our founders, longtime food enthusiasts in Washington DC, saw a gap in the market for a chopt restaurant that treated every ingredient with the same care a fine-dining chef would.
From our very first location on 12th Street NW, we built our kitchen around seasonal produce, responsibly sourced proteins, and dressings made from scratch every morning. Word spread fast. Guests who came in once kept coming back — not just for the food, but for the community and care woven into every bowl.
Today, Chopt continues to serve Washington DC with the same dedication to quality and creativity that started it all. Every chop, every toss, every bowl is a reflection of who we are: passionate, purposeful, and proud of every bite we serve.
Explore Our MenuThese aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles behind every decision we make, every dish we create, and every guest we welcome.
Every ingredient is selected for peak freshness and quality. We source locally whenever possible and never settle for anything less than vibrant and seasonal.
We're proud members of the Washington DC community. We support local farmers, hire locally, and give back to the neighborhoods that have embraced us.
Sustainable packaging, minimal food waste, and eco-friendly operations are not add-ons — they're built into the way we do business from day one.
We're not afraid to try new flavor combinations, reimagine classics, or introduce ingredients you've never thought to put in a salad. Innovation lives in every bowl.
From a single location in DC to a beloved institution — here's how we got here.
Chopt opened its doors at 618 12th St NW, Washington DC. Armed with a sharp knife, fresh produce, and an ambitious vision, our founders served their first chopped salad to a curious crowd — and the response was electric.
We expanded our offerings beyond salads to include warm grain bowls, house-made dressings, and seasonal specials. Our chopt restaurant quickly became a go-to lunch destination across the DC area.
Chopt was recognized by Washington City Paper as one of DC's best fast-casual dining destinations. We also launched our first community partnership with local urban farms to strengthen our farm-to-table supply chain.
We transitioned to 100% compostable packaging and eliminated single-use plastics across all operations. Our sustainability initiative became a model for other local restaurants and earned recognition from DC's Green Restaurant Association.
We introduced online ordering and catering services, making it easier than ever for DC's workforce to enjoy Chopt at the office, at home, or on the go — without sacrificing a single bite of quality.
With over 10,000 returning guests and a newly refreshed menu featuring international-inspired bowls, Chopt enters an exciting new era — deeper roots, bolder flavors, and an unwavering commitment to fresh food done right.
Our talented team brings passion, creativity, and deep culinary expertise to everything we do. Get to know the faces who make Chopt what it is.
With over 20 years in the culinary world, Marcus brings fearless creativity to the Chopt kitchen. His love for vibrant vegetables and global spices defines our signature style.
Priya is the strategic heartbeat of Chopt. Her background in sustainable business ensures our operations run smoothly while staying true to our environmental commitments.
Jordan's obsession with seasonal ingredients and bold dressings keeps our menu fresh and exciting. Every new addition to the Chopt menu starts with Jordan's inspired experimentation.
Sofia is the reason guests leave with a smile. Her warm leadership shapes the hospitality culture at Chopt, ensuring every visit feels personal, welcoming, and memorable.
Want to be part of our growing team?
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