Original ChopShop has a new captain at the helm. Kyle Frederick, who has spent a decade with the Dallas-based fast-casual salad chain, has been promoted to CEO, effective Monday. He takes over from Jason Morgan, who is stepping down after 10 years with the brand but staying on as an adviser.
The change comes at a moment when the broader chain-restaurant sector is cooling. A recent report from Technomic found that sales slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining out, though coffee, beverages, snacks and chicken held up better than the average. ChopShop, which serves salads and wraps, has grown steadily since its founding in 2013.
Frederick has been with the company since 2016. He arrives at the top role with a proven record of helping build the chain from a handful of shops into a national presence.
Morgan’s Exit And Frederick’s Arrival
Morgan is leaving the CEO post after a decade with the brand. He will remain in an advisory role, meaning he will not disappear entirely from the picture.
Frederick has been with ChopShop for a decade. He most recently served as chief operating officer. His promotion to CEO means he now holds the title that Morgan once held.
The move follows a standard corporate pattern: a longtime executive who has worked his way up through operational roles takes the CEO seat. Frederick has been with the company since 2016, so this is not a sudden elevation from outside the organisation.
What Morgan Said About The Handoff
Morgan spoke warmly about the transition in a statement. He framed the handover as a natural progression rather than a forced departure.
“What started as three shops in Phoenix is now 30 locations across four markets, and I think ChopShop’s best days are ahead.”
He also expressed confidence in Frederick’s ability to lead the company forward. “I’m proud of everything our team has built over the last 10 years, and I’m excited about where Kyle will take it,” Morgan said.
His final remark was equally positive. “I’ll be in his corner as an advisor,” Morgan added, “and I’m ready to watch this team continue to do big things.”
The language throughout is warm and supportive.
Frederick’s Path To The Top Job
Frederick’s career path before ChopShop gives some sense of how he got to this point. He previously held leadership roles at Zoës Kitchen. That experience likely gave him exposure to the fast-casual space before he arrived at ChopShop.
At ChopShop, he has worked under parent company Mac Haik Enterprises. His role as COO involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the chain.
The fact that he has been with the company for a decade means he knows the business intimately. He has watched it grow from three shops in Phoenix to 30 locations across four markets.
The Chain’s Numbers So Far
ChopShop was founded in 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. It started small and has expanded steadily since then. The company now operates 30 units across Arizona, Texas and Georgia.
The company has grown from three shops to 30 locations in roughly a dozen years.
What Frederick Plans For The Next Decade
Frederick addressed the transition in his own statement. He acknowledged the foundation that Morgan built and pointed toward a future of continued growth.
“The last 10 years proved what Original ChopShop can be. The next 10 are about showing how far we can take it,” Frederick said. He also noted his gratitude to Morgan for his leadership and for building such a strong foundation.
Frederick’s vision for the next decade involves investing in people, restaurants and the communities the chain serves. He wants to bring the company’s “Feel Good Food” proposition to even more guests.
The State Of The Fast-Casual Sector
The Technomic report on chain-restaurant sales offers some context for ChopShop’s position. Sales slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining out, but certain sectors fared better than others.
Coffee, beverages, snacks and chicken were the bright spots.
ChopShop fits into the broader category of fast-casual dining.
What This Means For The Brand
The transition is smooth so far. Morgan is staying on as an adviser, which means his institutional knowledge remains available.
Frederick’s appointment signals continuity rather than disruption. He knows the business inside out and has been part of its growth for a decade.
The next 10 years will test whether ChopShop can live up to Frederick’s ambition. The foundation exists, but the challenge is to keep building.
- Morgan steps down from CEO after 10 years, becoming an adviser.
- Frederick takes over as CEO, having served as COO for several years.
- The company moves from three shops in Phoenix to 30 locations across four states.
- Sales slowed again in 2025 for chain restaurants overall.
- Frederick commits to investing in people, restaurants and communities.
The company has grown from three shops to 30 locations in roughly a dozen years.
The coming decade will show whether Frederick can match Morgan’s record. For now, the transition looks smooth, the foundation is strong, and the company has a clear direction.
ChopShop has found its next leader. The question now is whether Frederick can match the growth that Morgan built.
Source material: “Original ChopShop COO Kyle Frederick promoted to CEO seat,” Nation's Restaurant News.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.