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Chopped Leaf is coming back to where it all started for an exciting 15th anniversary brand and design refresh and half-price sale.
Chopped Leaf now has 115 locations across Canada and the US.
But, it all started with restaurant No. 1 in Kelowna's Orchard Plaza beside the movie theatres in 2009.
That's when Kelowna resident Blair Stevens opened the first Chopped Leaf with the fresh concept for an emporium of made-to-order, quick-service salads, wraps and bowls.
So, it only makes sense that the refreshed brand, featuring new logo and updated interior design, will be officially unveiled at Chopped Leaf's original, signature location in Orchard Plaza.
Chopped Leaf is amping up the unveiling with grand re-opening deals of 50% off any salad, wrap or bowl, today and tomorrow only.
Plus, free $5 gift cards will be handed out to every customer while supplies last.
Customers can also enter for a chance to win one of three catered lunches or pop-a-balloon to wind a prize.
The new logo is on-brand with a stylized bowl brimming with leaves and the signage and name is now in white-and-green lower-case letters, instead of all capital letters.
Restaurant interiors are bright and contemporary with a lime green, black and natural wood colour scheme for counter and preparation areas, seating, tables and walls.
"This brand refresh was an evolution, not a revolution," said Jean-Pierre Lacrox of Shikatani Lacroix, the design agency behind the brand update.
"We ensured that Chopped Leaf's brand attributes of fresh quality choppings, irresistible signature dressings, menu variety, fruit-infused Chopped Water and the 'Feel Good After You Eat' tagline are showcased throughout the new design."
When Chopped Leaf was founded in 2009 is was one of the few casual restaurants that offered fast, healthier options.
Since then the landscape of food, health and nutrition has evolved significantly and Chopped Leaf felt it was time for a refresh to excite customers and franchisees alike.
"Kelowna is known for healthy living, tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation, so it makes perfect sense that this is where Chopped Leaf started," said Chuck Marjara, the new franchisee of the Orchard Plaza location.
"When I retired from the RCMP, I was looking for a business I could believe in. Healthy food is the future and Chopped Leaf is unique in providing fresh, customizable choices for health-conscious consumers in a fast, casual setting."
There are eight other Chopped Leaf locations in NowMedia Group's coverage areas -- Mission Park Shopping Centre in Kelowna, Snyatan Shopping Centre in West Kelowna, 700 Tranquille and 1180 Columbia St. West in Kamloops, 633 Central St. West in Prince George, Vernon Square, Uptown Plaza in Victoria and Westshore Village in Langford.
Those locations, and the over 100 other restaurants in the chain, are also all getting makeovers as Chopped Leaf rolls out the refresh nationwide.
On Aug. 15, the chain will again celebrate its 15th anniversary with 15% off the entire menu for the day at all locations.
"Canadians describe Chopped Leaf as vibrant, down-to-earth, inspiring, empathetic and approachable," said head of marketing Karen Paradine.
"Our new look and design highlight that salads and greens are more than just health food -- they're comfort food. We aim to dispel the notion that greens are not craveable or fulfilling. For customers choosing to eat better, only Chopped Leaf' delivers comforting, quality, fulfilling and flavourful greens for everyone."
Chopped Leaf founder Blair Stevens sold the chain in 2014 when it was 18 franchises to Innovative Food Brands, which also has over 100 Teriyaki Experience franchises.