First-time franchisee Alex Zhang feels like his dream has come true as lifestyle brand The Chopped Leaf opened its doors in Barrie earlier this year.
“When an opportunity to get my own franchise came up, I jumped at it,” said Zhang, a former general manager at Teriyaki Experience restaurants, a chain owned by the same franchiser as The Chopped Leaf.
Zhang says he's excited to bring his operational knowledge and background to The Chopped Leaf, and knows exactly what makes the brand stand out from the rest.
“Our customers care about what they eat. They want food that is tasty and healthy," he says.
The Chopped Leaf opened in April and features lunch and dinner offerings using fresh ingredients. These include wholesome and customizable bowls, wraps, salads, and more.
In addition to menu staples, The Chopped Leaf has special offers every few months to provide variety for customers.
“We have something for everyone," Zhang says.
The Chopped Leaf has also just launched a new menu featuring nine favourite customer flavours.
“Each flavour is available as a bowl, wrap or salad. And the new shake-a-bowl packaging makes it easy to enjoy fresh delicious food on the go. The Bangkok flavour is definitely a favourite," Zhang says.
And when it comes to giving the new location a personal touch, Zhang says the goal is to provide patrons with a friendly atmosphere.
“People are creatures of habit. When they find something that they love on the menu, they keep coming back," he says. "We try to remember their favourites."
Zhang says he's already planning events for this year, and the idea is to partner with local organizations that share the same value as the brand.
“We have lots of ideas and I’m hoping to get more involved in the community," he says.
Blair Stevens, president and founder of The Chopped Leaf, says the chain is looking for more franchisees like Zhang, because 30 new locations are set to open across Canada this year.
“Our franchisees and their team members are the key to a great customer experience and to our continued successful growth," Stevens says.
Stevens believes that healthy food choices will only be more popular in Canada.
“Canadians are actively looking to eat healthy, and feel good after they eat, which is what we offer," he says.
The new Chopped Leaf location is at 547 Cundles Rd. E., in Barrie.
For more information about The Chopped Leaf, click here.
