Chopt Creative Salad Co., the fast-casual restaurant that reimagined what a salad can be, announces today the launch of Chopt Jr., its first creatively crafted and wholesome kids menu. Launching in Charlotte, North Carolina and then expanding to other key markets through 2020, the Chopt Jr. menu will bring Chopt to the next generation of foodies.
In celebration, the company will rebrand one of its most popular Charlotte locations, Blakeney, into a Chopt Jr. for the day on October 12, 2019. Kids will eat for free and enjoy interactive activities, special sampling bites and treats, entertainment and other kid-centric touches throughout the restaurant; ranging from kid sized seating, a kids-only designated ordering line and a kid approved music playlist for the day. The day will celebrate and demonstrate Chopt’s commitment to meeting the needs of todays’ families alongside the launch of its new Chopt Jr. menu.
Chopt Jr. brings the best of Chopt in both familiar and new tasteful ways. In addition to signature kids customizable salads and warm bowls, Chopt has developed a new kid-focused menu innovation with its category launch of Chopt Dippers – featuring three new playful takes on dip-worthy kid entrées anchored by its 18 flavor-forward, house-made dressings that replace traditional ketchup and mustard. The category reimagines quesadillas, chicken fingers and even kebabs as QuesaDippers, Panko-Crusted Chicken Dippers and seasonally available ChoptSticks – kid-friendly skewers loaded with protein and veggie combinations. All three dipper options come with a choice of two of Chopt’s dressings, inviting kids to explore different flavors and find their own favorite new “special sauce”.
“We developed the Chopt Jr. menu to bring our creative flavors, and our quirky and fun brand to kids (and parents) who are looking to enjoy healthier meals together,” says Chopt CEO Nick Marsh. “Over the past few years we’ve created, tested and refined a great first round of both signature and new innovative kids meals with our own special sauce – our dressings. We are eager to continue innovating and growing our business in this key area.”
Chopt is deeply passionate about providing kids with creative and wholesome meal options, and for over 10 years, the company has been supporting Wellness in the Schools, which is a non-profit that teaches kids healthy eating habits. Chopt set out to create a tasty and health-conscious menu that kids would embrace after witnessing first-hand the positive reaction children in WITS schools had to healthy menu options.
Chopt Jr. is offered at $6.49 for kids ages 12 and under and includes choice of one entrée, side and sip. Entrée options include Panko-Crusted Chicken Dippers, Melty QuesaDippers, ChoptSticks (which will debut later and be seasonally available), customizable Kids Craft salads and bowls, and a new White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Bowl. All dippables are accompanied by any two dressings. Kids Craft salad and bowl offerings include chicken, two choppings and choice of dressing. Side and sip options include hummus & veggies, seasonal apples, assorted chips, bottled water, organic milk, and a kids fountain drink.
Following the launch in North Carolina, Chopt Jr. will expand into other markets around the country.
Founded in New York City in 2001 by best friends Tony Shure and Colin McCabe, Chopt has expanded to 60 restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
