As a fresh and friendly salad bar, Chop’d makes a statement in the neighborhood with its modern design and unique premise. It opened on May 1 with a menu of salads, wraps, juices and smoothies, as the restaurant aims to provide nutritious choices in a delicious way.

Quick healthy eating

Chop’d serves “quick healthy eating” to the community, with a simple layout and an emphasis on fresh foods, according to their Facebook page. Takeout is easy and convenient, making it ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Although the location is small, with currently only a few tables, Chop’d certainly provides an open atmosphere. The decor is eye-catching and fun, including handmade wooden accents and a chic mural. There is also free Wi-Fi and a community bulletin board available for anyone to use. The store feels new, young and exciting — a great place to find a healthy fix with friends or family.

The food menu currently includes six salads, five wraps and an option to build your own salad for 49 cents per ounce. They provide a variety of delicious vegetables, fruits, meats, dressings and other salad toppings such as nuts or croutons. With the build-your-own option, you can purchase custom creations at a size that feels best to you, as Chop’d seeks to promote healthy eating and portion awareness.

The drinks include eight natural juices and four fresh fruit smoothies. I tried a sample of their detox juice — beet, apple, carrot, spinach and celery — which tasted clean and healthy. I could clearly taste all the different ingredients, leaving me feeling refreshed. I also tried the Passion Berry smoothie, which was sweet and tangy. At $5.95 for a 20 ounce cup, it provided an affordable, energizing treat.

A tasty journey

Three siblings opened the store: an architect, a designer and an experienced chef. As a family business, they draw from their background of Mexican-style fruit salads to create even healthier alternatives for the future.

“It took us six months to open, but it’s been an amazing journey,” said Javier Alex Marquez, the owner of Chop’d.

Because of their passion for both nutrition and taste, they seek to form positive habits in La Mirada and possibly spread their message even further.

“Our vision for the future is to make a chain, to make it a franchise… to make it a place where everybody can eat healthy,” Marquez said.

Chop’d is located at 12754 La Mirada Blvd., in the Stater Bros. supermarket area. They are open  Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.