Chop Chop Rice Co., a fast-casual Japanese inspired Asian grill headquartered in Texas, marks the 15th anniversary at its first location in Amarillo this month, according to David Smith, co-CEO.

The restaurant company currently has four units: two in Amarillo and two in Lubbock, Texas. It is in the midst of franchise expansion. To effectively support franchisees, the company will focus its initial franchise efforts close to home throughout Texas and Oklahoma. 

“Our goal is to attract franchisees initially in Texas from Abilene, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, Midland to Odessa,” says Smith. “The Oklahoma City metro area, as well as Stillwater and Tulsa in Oklahoma are also are on our radar.”

Chop Chop Rice Co. opened its first location in Amarillo, Texas, in 2004, says David Terry, co-CEO. The concept features a concise fast-casual menu of starter food items, signature entrees, salad options and desserts.

The Co-CEOs think bringing the quality and taste of Japanese hibachi style cuisine to the fast-casual segment is a dining experience that serves a broad demographic audience. 

“Customers love Chop Chop,” Terry adds. “It’s a simple menu with something for the whole family. The locations have approximately 85 seats. Dine-in, take-out, and catering also provide multiple revenue streams for business growth.”

Smith’s restaurant experience is as a former franchisee of Beef O’Brady’s and a Jason’s Deli operating partner in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. Terry is a life-long entrepreneur, professional business coach, speaker, and trainer.

Chop Chop’s appetizers feature a choice of spring rolls, egg rolls, wontons, and spicy wontons. For signature entrees, customers can choose from a lighter or regular portion of signature dishes or a Teriyaki entrée (with grilled pineapples) on a bed of fried rice, steamed rice, udon noodles, or cauliflower fried rice. A specialty dessert is chopapillas (cream cheese filled wontons in cinnamon and sugar).

“The fast-casual Asian segment is one of the fastest growing segments in the restaurant industry,” Smith adds. “We think Chop Chop is an attractive franchise because of its simple, efficient, low-cost operation.”