1851

LAST UPDATED: March 17, 2023 FRANCHISE WEBSITE: <a href="https://chopstop.com/franchise-home/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://chopstop.com/franchise-home/</a>&nbsp; NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 30&nbsp; REPORTED COST TO GET IN: &nbsp;$327,000- $698,500 REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $452,773- $997,692Founder 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.&nbsp;<h3>How Many Chop Stop Locations Are There?</h3>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.&nbsp;<h3>What Is the Chop Stop Business Model?</h3>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.&nbsp;<h3>How Much Can Chop Stop Franchise Owners Make?</h3>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.&nbsp;<ul><li>2019: $680,792–$995,956</li><li>2020: $402,984–$841,046</li><li>2021: $452,773–$997,692</li></ul><h3>How Much Does It Cost to Open a Chop Stop?</h3>Initial investment costs to open a Chop Stop range from&nbsp; $327,000–$698,500. Honorably discharged full-time veterans can receive a discount off the initial franchise fee of up to $10,000.&nbsp;<ul><li>Initial Franchise Fee $35,000</li><li>Real Estate Consultant: $0–$4,500</li><li>Design/Architect Fees: $8,500–$13,000</li><li>Construction Management: $10,000</li><li>Plans and Permits: $2,000–$22,000</li><li>Leasehold Improvements: $135,000–$230,000</li><li>Rent, Utilities and Security Deposits Before Opening: $10,000–$36,000</li><li>Signage: $5,000–$15,000</li><li>Furniture, Fixtures and Restaurant Equipment: $45,000–$97,000</li><li>Initial Supply of Smallwares: $10,000–$18,000</li><li>Initial Inventory (Food + Paper + Janitorial): $11,000–$17,000</li><li>Office Equipment and Supplies: $1,000–$10,000</li><li>POS System: $20,000–$23,000</li><li>Security System: $3,000–$10,000</li><li>Opening Package: $6,000–$15,000</li><li>Professional Fees: $1,500–$6,000</li><li>Insurance (First Three Months): $1,000–$3,000</li><li>Training Expenses: $0–$21,000</li><li>Staff Training: $7,000–$17,000</li><li>Restaurant Opening Marketing: $6,000</li><li>Additional Funds: $25,000–$95,000</li><li>Total Estimated Initial Investment: $327,000–$698,500</li></ul><h3>Who Is the Leadership of Chop Stop?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kulkis-84a91b14/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Founder and CEOt: Mark Kulkis</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-gonzalez-72213524/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vice President of Operations: Joey Gonzale</a> &nbsp;</li></ul><h3>What Helpful Sources Can I Read to Learn More About Chop Stop?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/podcasts/taking-a-chopped-salad-qsr-on-the-road-chop-stop-ceo-talks-brand-expansion/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taking a chopped salad QSR on the road: Chop Stop CEO talks brand expansion</a></li><li><a href="https://www.qsrweb.com/articles/chop-stop-the-salad-qsr-with-a-meat-n-potatoes-guy-at-the-helm/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chop Stop: The salad QSR with a 'meat-n-potatoes' guy at the helm</a></li></ul>Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.&nbsp;All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Chop Stop Franchise Costs and Profit Details | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

The chopped salad franchise will expand all over the country when it hits 100 locations. 

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

franchise-deep-dive-chop-stops-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Caring Transitions

Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Women of Caring Transitions Leading With Purpose

celebrating-womens-history-month-the-women-of-caring-transitions-leading-with-purpose

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Builds Momentum in Q1 2026 With School Groundbreakings and National Franchisee Conference

childrens-lighthouse-builds-momentum-in-q1-2026-with-school-groundbreakings-and-national-franchisee-conference

Lawn Doctor

Photo of Lawn Doctor team member working outside, wearing blue button-down and khakis

Entrepreneur: For 47 Years, This Brand Has Kept Up With McDonald's and Dunkin. Have You Heard of It?

entrepreneur-franchise-500-47-years

Dillas Quesadillas

Dillas Primo Quesadillas Founders Share 12-Year Growth Journey on “Give an Ovation” Podcast

dillas-podcast-growth-story

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press Franchise, Lyons, IL. L-R: Steve, Devin, Emily Noel (Manager), and Lora Noel (Owner)

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Lora Noel Talks Growth in Lyons, IL

minuteman-press-franchise-owner-lora-noel-talks-growth-in-lyons-il

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

KKR Nears Deal for Nothing Bundt Cakes at $2 Billion

kkr-nears-deal-for-nothing-bundt-cakes-at-2-billion

Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-growth

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

amada-senior-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Beef 'O' Brady's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a family sports pub concept built around community, casual dining and lifelong local loyalty.

beef-o-bradys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

image of urswim franchise deep dive costs and fees and investment range

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A purpose-driven swim instruction and aquatics management franchise offering at-home, indoor and community-based swim programs.

urSwim Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

urswim-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS