Franchise Deep Dive: CHOP5 Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: November 2023 
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://chop5.com/own-a-franchise
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 3
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $356,700 to $873,700
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

CHOP5 Salad Kitchen is an emerging brand redefining the healthy eating experience with a delectable array of chop salads, wraps, crave-a-bowls and other health-inspired menu items that balance flavor, fresh ingredients and chef-inspired taste. With a vibrant and growing demand for nutritional dining options, CHOP5 stands out with its unique approach to fresh, flavorful and accessible meals, made on the spot. The brand competes in the fast casual health food segment against competitors like Chop Stop, Saladworks and more. 

How Many CHOP5 Locations Are There?

The story of CHOP5 began with five seasoned restaurateurs whose collective experience spanned more than 400 dining establishments nationwide, including Jersey Mike's, Papa John's, Checkers* and Rally's and more. The franchisee group teamed up with the founding chef from the BRAVO BRIO Restaurant Group to craft recipes that transform simple salads into extraordinary meals. 

Since its flagship store opened in Columbus in 2016, CHOP5 has expanded its presence, bringing its signature experience to more health-conscious consumers in Ohio and Florida. The brand currently has three locations open and operating. 

What Is CHOP5’s Business Model?

Salad franchise owners benefit from multiple revenue streams, like online ordering and catering options, and have the advantage of lower startup costs than most traditional fast-food restaurants. CHOP5 franchise owners are responsible for the ownership of a brick-and-mortar salad shop that offers chopped salads, crave-a-bowls, wraps and other health-inspired menu items. 

The CHOP5 menu offers an impressively diverse assortment of chef-driven signature chopped salads, including the Harvest Chop Salad, Korean Chicken Chop Salad and Kale Quinoa Chop Salad, as well as signature rice bowls such as the Mexican Rice Bowl, Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl and Mediterranean Rice Bowl. The brand also offers limited time, seasonal items like the Pesto Chicken Bowl and Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Bowl. Unlike competitors, CHOP5 staff prepare dishes in full view of the guest, ensuring freshness and quality with house-made recipes and dressings. CHOP5 also offers a robust catering program, where parties can customize their own feast while keeping the options light and fresh. 

In an effort to build a franchise program that was markedly different from most in the industry, the CHOP5 team focused on creating the structures, flexibility and support that they wanted as franchisees themselves. This includes everything from site selection and construction assistance to local market visits and ongoing marketing and operational support. 

How Much Can CHOP5 Franchise Owners Make?

CHOP5 does not make any representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a CHOP5 Franchise?

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a CHOP5 Salad Kitchen is $356,700 to  $873,700. This includes $52,000 that must be paid to the brand or affiliates.

• Initial Franchise Fee: $49,500
• Training Fee: $2,500
• Travel and Living Expenses While Training: $1,000 - $6,000
• Real Estate/Rent and Deposit (3 Months): $11,100 - $35,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $55,000 - $325,000
• Buildout Management: $0 - $15,000
• Equipment and Small Wares: $130,000 - $175,000
• Furniture: $20,000 - $40,000
• Fixtures: $15,000 - $30,000
• Signage (Inside and Outside): $10,500 - $35,000
• Graphics Package: $5,000 - $8,000
• Computer System: $900 - $11,000
• Office Supplies: $500 - $2,000
• Licenses and Permits: $500 - $5,000
• Legal and Accounting: $2,000 - $5,000
• Dues and Subscriptions: $200 - $500
• Utility Deposits: $500 - $1,200
• Insurance: $500 - $3,000
• Initial Inventory: $7,000 - $20,000
• Grand Opening Marketing: $15,000 - $25,000
• Additional Funds (3 Months): $30,000 - $80,000
• Total Estimated Cost: $356,700 - $873,700

What Is the Franchise Fee for CHOP5?

The franchise fee required to open a CHOP5 franchise is $49,500.

Who’s On CHOP5’s Leadership Team?

• Brian Mills - Operating Partner and Co-founder 
• Allen Hertzman - Partner and Co-founder 
• Kim Pettingell - Marketing Director 
• Philip Horn - Partner/ Co-Founder 
• Donald Bauer - Partner/ Co-Founder 
• Wade Oney - Partner/ Co-Founder 
• Patrick Gaunce - Partner/Co-Founder 

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About CHOP5?

• What are the Best Salad Franchises?
• Chop5 Salad Kitchen looking to grow beyond Columbus - Columbus Business First
• Another twist on Chipotle-style fast casual – CHOP5 Salad Kitchen debuts in Columbus

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