“More than a salad” – that’s the motto of Chop Stop. The restaurant is known for its chopping processes that allows them to serve customized salads in about three minutes. With over 40 fresh toppings to dress your salad, the “fast” food chain has several locations across the nation including a new store right here in Aliso Viejo. The new eatery, located on Aliso Creek Road, is our AVCC member of the month.
The Aliso Viejo store just opened May 30th of this year, and is Chop Stop’s 24th location. Susan Akroush, a 20 year resident of Aliso Viejo, opened the restaurant with her family. We wanted to learn more about the new owners, and asked Susan a few questions. Here’s what she had to say about Chop Stop and the Aliso Viejo community.
AVCC: Susan, what’s your background and what brought you to Chop Stop?
Susan Akroush: Growing up in the restaurant industry, we were looking for a new business venture, so we started looking for something that we believed in: a restaurant that served food that was delicious and healthy. We partnered with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and decided to look into the Chop Stop franchise. We were extremely impressed with the food, quality and pride they have in serving a fresh healthy product. This is our family’s first Chop Stop location but we plan to open about five more in the Orange County area.
AVCC: What has your experience been like working in Aliso Viejo?
Susan Akroush: It was a dream come true to open our first store in our own neighborhood. We are filled with gratitude for the overwhelming support the community has shown us. We love our town and the opportunity to meet so many friendly people.
AVCC: How long have you been located in the Aliso Viejo area?
Susan Akroush: Even though our location has only been open a few months, it was in the works for about two years. COVID delayed things, but we feel the timing now is better than ever. People want healthy and delicious options that leave them feeling satisfied, and we are happy to deliver that to our community.
AVCC: What do you enjoy most about the Aliso Viejo community?
Susan Akroush: We have loved living in Aliso Viejo for the past two decades, and are grateful for the opportunity to run a family-operated franchise in such a family-oriented town. Most of our staff are local high school students. We have been so impressed with these amazing young adults and their work ethic. The pride they put into their work makes us proud to be part of this amazing community.
AVCC: How is Chop Stop involved with the community?
Susan Akroush: Chop Stop Aliso Viejo is currently working on supporting our local schools by sponsoring some of their sports teams. We also plan to do some fundraising nights! We are excited to partner with the community and work together to give back the same support they have shown us!
AVCC: How has the AV Chamber helped your business?
Susan Akroush: We are excited to be part of the AV Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to being active members and appreciate their support for our grand opening.
From our family to yours, we thank the community for your support! If you haven’t tried our food yet, please stop by and check us out. We absolutely love meeting our fellow neighbors! We specialize in delicious chopped salads and offer a variety of different options that includes the ability to order off the menu or create your own. We also offer warm Chopurritos that taste incredible! Anything we serve can also be made into a wrap using our delicious whole wheat tortillas. We use only high quality, wholesome foods, including locally-grown produce whenever possible. And our Chops are extra hearty (most weigh over a pound)…meaning they stick to your ribs without sticking to your waistline!
JOIN THE ALISO VIEJO CHAMBER
We hope that you will join us as we work together to promote and serve our community. This is a perfect opportunity to become a member of the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce! Please check out the benefits and perks of membership.