Chopt set to open next week in Ballston

Salad purveyor Chopt is planning to open its new “eco-conscious” location in Ballston next week.

The chain said in a press release this morning that its shop at 4201 Wilson Blvd, in the Ballston Exchange complex across from Ballston Quarter, will officially open on Wednesday, July 13. We first reported on the new location, which is next to a Shake Shack, in November.

More from an ARLnow article last month:

It will feature “a more eco-friendly means of operating… the first of its kind for the brand, designed explicitly to have a reduced environmental impression,” according to a press release.

The eatery will also emphasize contactless ordering, much like its burger-oriented neighbor, with self-service kiosks and QR codes for ordering at the tables.

“At 1,912 sq ft, Ballston seats 16 guests total, 10 at the bar with views of the salad making station and 6 in a large booth,” said the release. “The storefront will be the first Chopt to go to complete contactless ordering with a variety of advanced ways to order its creative salads, wraps and warm bowls, including self-service kiosks and new QR code tableside ordering and delivery.”

Chopt will compete fellow salad chain Sweetgreen — located two blocks away, along Wilson Blvd — for the patronage of Ballston’s office and apartment dwellers.

In addition to a number of locations in the District, Chopt has existing locations in Rosslyn and McLean.

The new Chopt also plans to open for online and app orders on Tuesday, July 12 as part of a fundraiser for local nonprofit Real Food for Kids.

The press release about the opening is below.

Chopt Creative Salad Company, the NYC-founded fast-casual salad brand, is thrilled to announce the opening of its new sustainability-focused and contact-free store model in the Arlington area at 4201 Wilson Blvd Suite 0185, on the bottom floor of the Ballston Exchange, on Wednesday, July 13.

As is tradition, Chopt celebrates Chopt Gives Day prior to opening, where proceeds benefit a local nonprofit partner. For this Ballston opening, Chopt will partner with Real Food for Kids, the 501(c)(3) organization that advocates for positive change in school food policies and generates institutionalized support to reinforce its goal of highlighting healthy school food as a critical component of children’s wellness and academic success. To participate in the give back, guests are invited to order online or through the Chopt app on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and 100% of sales from Chopt Gives Day will be donated to Real Food for Kids.

“Real Food for Kids and Chopt’s missions to support healthy eating habits align perfectly,” said Bonnie Moore, Real Food for Kids Executive Director. “We are honored to be selected as the Chopt Gives partner for their new restaurant opening in Arlington and excited that Chopt will bring access to more delicious, healthy options to the community.”

The Ballston restaurant features new QR code tableside ordering as well as self-serve kiosks, making this the first Chopt to offer guests a completely contactless experience. The latest ordering technology makes in-store pickup and delivery easy, quick and convenient for guests to “chop” the line.

“The model of this restaurant is a demonstration of our continued efforts to reduce our environmental impact by lowering our overall energy consumption, and potentially GHG emissions, with streamlined operations, a smaller spatial footprint, and energy efficient kitchen ware and HVAC system,” said Dennis Lee, VP of Development at Founders Table. “We hope that folks enjoy the outcome: an efficient and more sustainable restaurant experience.”

Chopt is open for regular hours Monday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.