Chop'd bought by Inc Retail

Salad chain Chop'd has been bought by Inc Retail, the newly created retail arm of marketing agency Inc & Co and its first foray into the hospitality sector.

Established in 2004, Chop'd has 13 stores in Manchester, Leeds and London, all of which will remain open with all jobs retained.

The deal brings together Chop'd and recent acquisition, accessories brand KNOMO, into the expanding retail group, led by managing director and former board director at Jones Bootmaker, Dan Shaw. "Significant investment" is expected to expand the brand's menu, website and back-end ordering systems.

Shaw said: "Chop'd have a unique product offering which fits perfectly within the retail group and as a brand has always sourced 100% of its produce from the UK, including having saved over 3.5 million plastic bags from going to waste since inception. This alone shows what a worthwhile cause Chop'd are, and I'm excited to have them join us as part of the Inc Retail offering."

Eddie Holmes, managing director of Chop'd, said: "The team and I are extremely excited to have this opportunity to reinvigorate Chop'd and allow us to bring our super healthy, tasty, sustainable food back to our faithful customers and to those yet to discover us. We just can't wait to get started".

Jack Mason, group chief executive of parent company Inc & Co, said: "We recently announced the purchase of retail brand KNOMO, and this purchase of Chop'd will bring yet another exciting and unique brand into Inc Retail Group, which will redefine what the high street means to all of us.

"Being a customer of Chop'd has meant I have seen first-hand the inspiring work the company has championed, and I'm looking forward to seeing Dan and his team grow the brand to new heights."