When Jenn opened her BC Chopped Leaf location in 2017, she knew she wanted to bring fresh, feel-good food to her hometown. She quickly learned just how important community involvement would be to her success.

In the early days, Jenn focused on perfecting operations and delivering great customer service. But she quickly learned that building relationships beyond the four walls of her restaurant would be the key to long-term success.

“I started by reaching out to the people I knew—my kids’ schools, local teams, and community groups. I wanted to make sure Chopped Leaf was not just another restaurant, but a place that supported the community,” Jenn recalls.

Growing Through Community Support

One of her first moves was supporting local schools and teams. She provided meals for coaches, handed out coupons to parents, and sponsored local hockey teams—getting the Chopped Leaf logo front and center on jerseys worn by hundreds of young athletes. Soon, teams and schools were approaching her for catered meals during tournaments, community events, and teacher appreciation days.

Jenn also discovered the power of donations. Serving on the board of the local Child Development Centre (CDC), she started by providing lunches for board meetings. Word spread, and before long, her fellow board members were ordering Chopped Leaf catering for their own events. Each year, during CDC Month, she hosts a special discount day at the restaurant, which earns her free radio coverage while also supporting a great cause.

She took a similar approach with the local speedskating club, offering a 10% discount to members. In return, her restaurant received significant free promotion, driving both awareness and trial. These efforts have all contributed to Chopped Leaf becoming a go-to choice for fresh, healthy food in the community.

Always Find a Way

Giving back takes time and effort, but for Jenn, it’s all worth it. She carefully reviews sponsorship and donation requests, working with her manager and team to decide which ones will make the biggest impact.

Her team also participates in the school board’s hot lunch program, ensuring kids can enjoy Chopped Leaf meals at school. And when it comes to catering, she has a simple rule: never say no. Whether it’s an early morning order at 9 a.m. or a last-minute request at 8 p.m., she finds a way to make it happen.

Jenn’s journey with Chopped Leaf is a testament to the power of community-driven business. By giving back, she hasn’t just built a loyal customer base—she’s made Chopped Leaf a name that families, schools, and organizations trust.

And in return, the community keeps coming back for more.