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.
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.
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 ChefToday, 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.
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.
We partner with local farms and trusted suppliers to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to every dish we create.
Every plate is prepared by skilled hands who take pride in their craft. We never rush what matters — the quality of your food.
Chopt is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in our neighborhood, our team, and the people we serve.
From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we operate with the environment in mind — because we care about tomorrow.
From a single dining room in Midtown to a beloved New York institution — here's how the Chopt story unfolded.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every great dish begins with great people. Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise, creativity, and heart to everything they do at Chopt.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Get in Touch