Operations

Chopt moving Virginia store to more sustainable building

Rendering provided by Chopt

November 15, 2022

Chopt Creative Salad Co. is moving its Rosslyn, Virginia-based restaurant to a sustainability focused and contact-free storefront at 1735 N. Lynn St., in the International Place shopping center.

Opening next week and just one door down from its original spot, the restaurant features QR code tableside ordering and delivery and three self-serve kiosks to offer guests a contactless ordering process, according to Chopt CEO Nick Marsh. The restaurant reduces Chopt's environmental impact with a smaller spatial footprint that cuts square footage by over 55% and has energy-efficient kitchenware and an HVAC system to lower energy consumption by 30% and GHG emissions by 21%. To fall into stride with all Chopt locations in sustainability and sourcing efforts, all menu offerings will come in 100% compostable bowls made from sugar cane, which are capable of naturally breaking down without creating any new waste.

"While creating delicious salads is at the heart of everything we do, we are passionate about innovating our buildings and technologies to create spaces where our customers know they can make food choices that align with their values," Marsh said in a company press release. "At Chopt, sustainability is a standard, and we don't take shortcuts. We work with industry experts to help us review energy use and GHG emissions by location to give us a better understanding of how to improve practices and minimize our impact."

The brand also selects partners that share similar values on mindful sourcing and authentic flavors for its rotating menus, providing guests an opportunity to taste ingredients from around the world, Marsh said.

In addition to Chopt's classic and customizable customer craft salads, wraps and bowls, the Rosslyn restaurant will open with Chopt's latest collaboration menu with Zia Hatch Chile Company, which features peak season, naturally preserved Hatch chiles from the "Chile Capital of the World," in Hatch Valley, New Mexico.

Founded in New York City in 2001 by best friends Tony Shure and Colin McCabe, Chopt has over 80 restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.