Our Story

The Chopt Story — Bold Flavors, Honest Food

Since 2009, Chopt has been redefining fresh food in New York City. Our chopt restaurant brings together vibrant ingredients, skilled hands, and a genuine passion for crafting every dish with intention. We believe great food starts with great values.

Chopt restaurant interior with vibrant fresh food
15+ Years of Excellence
200K+ Happy Guests
80+ Menu Items
4.9 Average Rating
Chopt kitchen with fresh ingredients being prepared Fresh chopt dishes plated with care

How Chopt Became New York's Favorite Fresh Food Destination

It began with a simple belief: New Yorkers deserved better food — fresher, bolder, and made with genuine care. In 2009, founders Marcus and Elena launched the first Chopt location at 11 W 42nd St, driven by a vision of what a chopt restaurant could be: a place where every ingredient is chosen thoughtfully and every dish tells a story.

From day one, we sourced locally, cooked seasonally, and listened closely to our community. Word spread quickly. Within two years, Chopt had become a beloved institution on Midtown's dining scene — not through gimmicks, but through honest, exceptional food and a team that truly cares.

"We don't just serve food — we create moments. Every plate at Chopt is a reflection of our commitment to freshness, flavor, and the people who share our table."

— Marcus Reid, Co-Founder & Executive Chef

Today, Chopt serves hundreds of guests daily, offering dine-in, delivery, and catering across New York. Our team has grown, our menu has evolved, but our core promise remains unchanged: bold, fresh, honest food — every single time.

Our Mission

To nourish every guest with food that is bold in flavor, honest in sourcing, and crafted with genuine care — making the chopt restaurant experience one that brings people together around the table every day.

Our Core Values

Fresh Sourcing

We partner with local farms and trusted suppliers to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to every dish we create.

Cooked with Care

Every plate is prepared by skilled hands who take pride in their craft. We never rush what matters — the quality of your food.

Community First

Chopt is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in our neighborhood, our team, and the people we serve.

Sustainability

From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we operate with the environment in mind — because we care about tomorrow.

A Decade of Bold, Fresh Flavors

From a single dining room in Midtown to a beloved New York institution — here's how the Chopt story unfolded.

2009

The First Table

Marcus Reid and Elena Vasquez open the original Chopt at 11 W 42nd St, New York. With 30 seats and a hand-written menu, the chopt restaurant concept is born — fresh, honest, bold.

2012

First Major Recognition

Chopt earns a feature in New York Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" list and receives the prestigious James Beard Foundation nod for Best Casual Dining in New York City.

2015

Catering & Delivery Launch

Responding to demand from loyal guests, Chopt launches full-scale catering and delivery services — bringing the chopt restaurant experience directly to offices and events across Manhattan.

2018

Sustainability Pledge

Chopt commits to 100% locally sourced produce within a 150-mile radius and transitions to fully compostable packaging, earning recognition from the NYC Sustainability Council.

2021

Menu Reinvention

Chef Marcus leads a bold menu overhaul — introducing signature seasonal collections, expanding vegan and gluten-free offerings, and launching the acclaimed Chef's Table tasting experience.

2024

200,000 Guests Milestone

Chopt celebrates serving its 200,000th guest — a testament to the loyalty of New York's food community and the enduring quality of the chopt restaurant experience we've worked to build.

Meet Our Team

Every great dish begins with great people. Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise, creativity, and heart to everything they do at Chopt.

Marcus Reid

Executive Chef & Co-Founder

A Culinary Institute of America graduate with 20+ years of fine dining experience. Marcus brings bold creativity and precision to every Chopt dish.

Elena Vasquez

Co-Founder & Operations Director

The strategic backbone of Chopt, Elena ensures every aspect of the dining experience — from sourcing to service — exceeds our guests' expectations.

James Park

Head Pastry Chef

Trained in Paris and Tokyo, James crafts Chopt's artisan dessert menu with a flair for combining unexpected flavors into unforgettable sweet experiences.

Sofia Almeida

Catering & Events Manager

With a decade of event management experience, Sofia brings the Chopt dining experience to corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings across New York.

Want to be part of the Chopt family?

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Guests enjoying the vibrant chopt restaurant dining experience in New York

Ready to Experience Chopt?

Whether you're dining in, ordering delivery, or planning a catered event — Chopt is here to make every meal memorable.