Fast-casual chain Original ChopShop has promoted longtime executive Kyle Frederick to chief executive officer, handing leadership of the growing restaurant brand to an operator who has spent the past decade with the company.
Frederick, who most recently served as chief operating officer, succeeds Jason Morgan, who is moving into an advisory role after 10 years as CEO. The transition comes as Original ChopShop prepares for its next stage of expansion under parent company Mac Haik Enterprises.
Frederick joined Original ChopShop in 2016 after holding leadership positions at Zoës Kitchen. During his time as COO, he helped shape the brand’s operations, culture and restaurant teams, according to the company.
Morgan’s tenure coincided with significant expansion. What began as three shops in Phoenix has grown to 30 locations across four markets, according to Morgan. Original ChopShop was founded in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2013 and now operates restaurants across Arizona, Texas and Georgia.
The appointment reflects a familiar succession pattern among growing restaurant chains: moving an executive with deep operational knowledge into the top leadership role as the brand shifts from establishing its model to scaling it.
Frederick has been closely involved with the systems and restaurant teams behind that expansion. His promotion gives Original ChopShop continuity while putting an operations-focused leader in charge of its next phase.
“The last 10 years proved what Original ChopShop can be. The next 10 are about showing how far we can take it,” Frederick said in a company statement. He added that the chain would continue investing in its people, restaurants and communities while bringing its “Feel Good Food” positioning to more guests.
Morgan will remain connected to the business as an adviser. During his decade as CEO, he helped guide the brand from its Phoenix roots into a multi-market concept and established the operational and cultural foundation that the company says supports its continued growth.
