Franchise Deep Dive: Chop Stop's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $452,773- $997,692

Founder Mark Kulkis was disappointed with California’s lack of options for chopped salads. He began making chopped salads for family and friends and received rave reviews. He then teamed up with Joey Gonzalez, a veteran restaurant operator with over 30 years of experience. In 2011, they opened the first Chop Stop together and slowly opened more stores until the duo started franchising in 2016.

How Many Chop Stop Locations Are There?

There are 30 Chop Stop locations primarily on the west coast and one in Texas. Target markets are currently California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Utah. Once it reaches 100 locations, expansion will spread to other states.

What Is the Chop Stop Business Model?

The Chop Stop business model is being “more than a salad.” Customers get more for their money as each salad weighs over a pound on average, and Chop Stop offers a variety of 40 different toppings. Storefronts don’t require grease interceptors or stoves like most retail restaurants, which allows shop workers to deliver fast service.

How Much Can Chop Stop Franchise Owners Make?

According to the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Chop Stop franchise owners can earn a range of $452,773–$997,692. A list of what franchise owners earned in previous years is listed below.

• 2019: $680,792–$995,956
• 2020: $402,984–$841,046
• 2021: $452,773–$997,692

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Chop Stop?

Initial investment costs to open a Chop Stop range from  $327,000–$698,500. Honorably discharged full-time veterans can receive a discount off the initial franchise fee of up to $10,000.

• Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
• Real Estate Consultant: $0–$4,500
• Design/Architect Fees: $8,500–$13,000
• Construction Management: $10,000
• Plans and Permits: $2,000–$22,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $135,000–$230,000
• Rent, Utilities and Security Deposits Before Opening: $10,000–$36,000
• Signage: $5,000–$15,000
• Furniture, Fixtures and Restaurant Equipment: $45,000–$97,000
• Initial Supply of Smallwares: $10,000–$18,000
• Initial Inventory (Food + Paper + Janitorial): $11,000–$17,000
• Office Equipment and Supplies: $1,000–$10,000
• POS System: $20,000–$23,000
• Security System: $3,000–$10,000
• Opening Package: $6,000–$15,000
• Professional Fees: $1,500–$6,000
• Insurance (First Three Months): $1,000–$3,000
• Training Expenses: $0–$21,000
• Staff Training: $7,000–$17,000
• Restaurant Opening Marketing: $6,000
• Additional Funds: $25,000–$95,000
• Total Estimated Initial Investment: $327,000–$698,500

Who Is the Leadership of Chop Stop?

• Founder and CEOt: Mark Kulkis
• Vice President of Operations: Joey Gonzale

What Helpful Sources Can I Read to Learn More About Chop Stop?

• Taking a chopped salad QSR on the road: Chop Stop CEO talks brand expansion
• Chop Stop: The salad QSR with a 'meat-n-potatoes' guy at the helm

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