CHOP5 Franchise Information

CHOP5 is known for exceptional chop salads, wraps, crave-a-bowls and other health-inspired menu items that balance flavor, fresh ingredients and chef-inspired taste. 

1851 Franchise: How did you fall into franchising?

Brian Mills, CHOP5 Operating Partner and Co-Founder: Oh wow, that goes way back to my childhood. My father was an entrepreneur, and I saw the successes and failures, good times and bad times. But he had the drive to own his own business. As a young boy, I always figured I'd do something on my own. I remember driving by McDonald's as a little kid in Cub Scouts, and seeing “billions sold.” That made me think about franchising. Then I stumbled into it because my wife's brother-in-law worked for Domino's Pizza when they first started.

1851 Franchise: Was your dad a franchise entrepreneur?

Mills: No, my dad was a pure entrepreneur — ground-up startup. I thought hedging the bet by going to a proven system as part of franchising would be safer, even though my life took me in that direction naturally. Throughout my life, I gravitated towards that, especially when Domino's came along. I was part of that growth on the West Coast in San Diego, and seeing that system run changed my perspective. I saw it as safer than what my dad was doing.

1851 Franchise: Did your dad see you get into franchising? And did he understand your success in it?

Mills: He passed away when he was 80, but he saw me managing a Domino's at the beginning of my career. I was actually in a meeting with Papa John's when he passed, so yes, he saw a part of my journey. As an entrepreneur at heart, I don't think he ever saw his path as the wrong one. He appreciated the effort and drive it took to grow things.

1851 Franchise: Did you see yourself as an entrepreneur within the franchising system?

Mills: I never really thought of myself as an entrepreneur in the purest sense since I wasn't starting from the ground up. But being a franchisee does allow you to put your stamp on a system, so there's an element of entrepreneurship in that. Especially with CHOP5, we're running the business through franchisee eyes because that's in our DNA. We want franchisees to be successful because it means the franchise will be successful — it's a team effort.

1851 Franchise: Can you give a glimpse into your franchise portfolio? Where did it get to with you and your partners?

Mills: At any time, we're operating around 400 to 500 restaurants. Each of my four partners has their own businesses. We have a lot of knowledge on systems and what's happening in the world, which helps us make intelligent decisions. Our group is involved in diverse systems like Jersey Mike's, Papa John's, Checkers and Rally's, etc. We support each other through successes and struggles. The knowledge our group has is unparalleled.

1851 Franchise: When building your franchise portfolio, were you thinking of scale the whole time?

Mills: Absolutely. People often reach out to me wanting to franchise, and I tell them you need a bigger mindset; you have to scale. Otherwise, you're just buying a job. That's not what we do. We want to build something that changes wealth projections for our families.

1851 Franchise: And now, as you're becoming a franchisor with CHOP5, what was the thought process behind that?

Mills: The intent was to create something successful, not just as a primary revenue driver but to do it right. We've been lucky to achieve a certain level of success and we're passionate about creating a successful venture. We want people involved like us; we're focused on growth because without it, there's no success. 

The direction of food trends is unmistakable. While classics like pizza and burgers are here to stay, there's a significant move towards healthier eating. People are seeking healthier options without compromising on taste. A prime example is a simple yet delicious salad.

1851 Franchise: How important is it to make sure you bring the right people into the system, especially in the beginning? 

Mills: For us at CHOP5, selecting the right franchise partners is crucial, especially in the beginning. We're looking for individuals with the mindset of a businessperson, people who understand the importance of a business model that works. Handing over the reins to someone else is daunting since we have a deep operational background. Our franchisee selection process is akin to an exclusive club where potential partners are meticulously vetted. The timing has to be perfect, and sometimes it's not right for certain candidates initially, but it could be in the future. Our biggest decisions revolve around the people we partner with, viewing them truly as partners.

1851 Franchise: What are the ingredients that make a great franchise opportunity?

Mills: As a franchisee, getting in early on a franchise like CHOP5 is an advantage, allowing for a broader vision and territory. As franchises become popular, availability diminishes, leaving prospects with less desirable options. CHOP5 offers a burgeoning market in healthier fast-casual dining, which we believe will only continue to grow. But with an established customer base after seven years, we’re not newcomers. We've taken our time to ensure we're prepared to franchise. Partnering with our ownership group offers an unmatched opportunity to learn from seasoned business people, including from our own failures, which is as vital as our successes. We aim to support our franchisees in their growth, which is a departure from the norm of leaving franchisees to grow the business independently. As a franchisee first, the viability of the business model, including royalty and franchise fee structures, is of paramount importance to me. It took a lot of work for us to figure out this business model and get it to the point it is today. 

1851 Franchise: What are your plans for growth?

Mills: Growth should happen organically with the right people at the right time. It’s a flywheel effect — difficult to get moving but unstoppable once it does. We’re committed to ensuring the success of our first franchisees as it's pivotal to our business.

For more information, visit: https://chop5.com/own-a-franchise