Chop Stop Franchise Costs and Profit Details

The chopped salad franchise will expand all over the country when it hits 100 locations.

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $327,000- $698,500

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $452,773- $997,692

Founder Mark Kulkis was disappointed with California’s lack of options for chopped salads. He began making chopped salads for family and friends and received rave reviews. He then teamed up with Joey Gonzalez, a veteran restaurant operator with over 30 years of experience. In 2011, they opened the first Chop Stop together and slowly opened more stores until the duo started franchising in 2016.

There are 30 Chop Stop locations primarily on the west coast and one in Texas. Target markets are currently California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Utah. Once it reaches 100 locations, expansion will spread to other states.

The Chop Stop business model is being “more than a salad.” Customers get more for their money as each salad weighs over a pound on average, and Chop Stop offers a variety of 40 different toppings. Storefronts don’t require grease interceptors or stoves like most retail restaurants, which allows shop workers to deliver fast service.

According to the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), Chop Stop franchise owners can earn a range of $452,773–$997,692. A list of what franchise owners earned in previous years is listed below.

• 2019: $680,792–$995,956

• 2020: $402,984–$841,046

• 2021: $452,773–$997,692

Initial investment costs to open a Chop Stop range from $327,000–$698,500. Honorably discharged full-time veterans can receive a discount off the initial franchise fee of up to $10,000.

• Initial Franchise Fee $35,000

• Real Estate Consultant: $0–$4,500

• Design/Architect Fees: $8,500–$13,000

• Construction Management: $10,000

• Plans and Permits: $2,000–$22,000

• Leasehold Improvements: $135,000–$230,000

• Rent, Utilities and Security Deposits Before Opening: $10,000–$36,000

• Signage: $5,000–$15,000

• Furniture, Fixtures and Restaurant Equipment: $45,000–$97,000

• Initial Supply of Smallwares: $10,000–$18,000

• Initial Inventory (Food + Paper + Janitorial): $11,000–$17,000

• Office Equipment and Supplies: $1,000–$10,000

• POS System: $20,000–$23,000

• Security System: $3,000–$10,000

• Opening Package: $6,000–$15,000

• Professional Fees: $1,500–$6,000

• Insurance (First Three Months): $1,000–$3,000

• Training Expenses: $0–$21,000

• Staff Training: $7,000–$17,000

• Restaurant Opening Marketing: $6,000

• Additional Funds: $25,000–$95,000

• Total Estimated Initial Investment: $327,000–$698,500

• Founder and CEOt: Mark Kulkis

• Vice President of Operations: Joey Gonzale

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