Chopt Creative Salad Company, a fast casual salad restaurant, has received a significant investment from private equity firm Catterton and Hain Celestial.
While the terms of the investment were not disclosed, Hain Celestial says that this investment will “accelerate growth” and help to “explore new product offerings.”
Irwin D. Simon, Founder, President, and CEO of Hain Celestial, was excited about the potential new opportunities this partnership creates, noting that Chopt represents “a continuation of Hain Celestial’s mission to provide its consumers with ‘A Healthier Way of Life™’ and further supports our continued leadership in the organic and natural area.”
Chopt currently operates 32 restaurants in the New York, Washington D.C., and North Carolina areas. Founders Tony Shure and Colin McCabe were inspired to debut the concept after recognizing a need for salad restaurants in the fast food landscape.
Simon said, “We are also pleased to be expanding our out-of-home product offerings, as Millennials and other consumers increasingly are seeking more wholesome dining experiences away from home. We look forward to partnering with Nick, Tony, Colin, and the Catterton team to help support Chopt’s growth and expansion.”
Shure and McCabe echoed Simon’s sentiment, adding that Hain Celestial’s passion is “as unlimited as our own.”
Chopt was one of the first restaurant companies in its segment to serve natural antibiotic-free Free-Bird® Chicken, BluePrint® Jucie, Terra® Chips, and other Hain Celestial products, according to a press release.
“[Hain Celestial has] demonstrated a commitment to natural, local, and organic food that matches the Chopt philosophy,” said Nick Marsh, Chopt’s CEO. “We look forward to adding more of their products to our restaurants.”
Jon Owsley, a Partner at Catterton, is also looking forward to a great partnership, adding that Chopt’s “flavor-forward approach to delivering fantastic, high-quality, craveable offerings has made it the leader in the fast casual salad category.”
For the latest news from the deli industry, stick to DeliMarket News.
