In the Kitchen with Chop Wave
THERE’S a new restaurant making waves Downtown. Chop Wave opened its doors mid-summer at 1000 Asbury Avenue, bringing healthy eating in the way of the freshest ingredients in seemingly endless combinations to create mouthwatering customized salads, wraps and bowls. Proteins are marinated in house, sauces are made from scratch and guac is hand smashed at the counter. Ingredients range from the basic – cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and olives – to the more unique, pickled onion, dried fig and pumpkin seeds.
“Our goal is for Chop Wave to be a place where everyone can find something they enjoy – whether that’s a healthy salad, a filling rice bowl, a wrap, or an ice cream sandwich,” owner Ryan Tyers said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support Ocean City and the surrounding community have already shown us. We hope people come in, create something they love, and make waves with us!”
Ocean City Magazine was able to pull Ryan away from the restaurant long enough to give us the inside scoop on everything Chop Wave has to offer, how to order a custom meal, and what she personally loves best on the menu.
Q: When did you officially open?
A: We officially opened Chop Wave on July 27, right here in Ocean City. It’s been exciting finally opening our doors and introducing the concept to the community.
Q: What was the inspiration behind opening?
A: Opening a restaurant has been a longtime dream of mine. I wanted to create something that combined fresh, customizable food with convenience. I saw an opportunity for a place where people could build exactly what they’re craving – whether that’s a fresh salad, a hearty rice bowl, or a wrap – with proteins prepared fresh to order. I ultimately decided to take the leap, leave my previous career, and turn that dream into Chop Wave.
Q: Why is using clean ingredients so important to you?
A: We want people to feel good about what they’re eating. For us, that means focusing on fresh ingredients, lots of vegetables, quality proteins, and giving customers control over what goes into their meal. You can come in and build something lighter and simple, or make a really filling bowl – it’s completely up to you.
Q: So we know you offer customizable salads, wraps and bowls. Can you talk us through how someone would order?
A: Absolutely! Our ordering process is designed to give customers a lot of freedom. You order through one of our cashiers, kiosks or online, choose whether you want a salad, bowl or wrap, select your base, then add your protein, toppings, cheese, crunch and dressing. Our proteins – including chicken, steak, shrimp, and salmon – are prepared to order. Once you submit your order, our team takes it from there.
Q: What are some of your more unique ingredients people can throw into their salad or bowl?
A: That’s one of my favorite things about Chop Wave. We wanted to go beyond the standard salad toppings. Depending on what youre building, you can add things like pickled red onions, roasted corn, chickpeas, crispy fried shallots, wonton strips, avocado, cilantro-lime rice, different cheeses, and a variety of sauces and dressings. It gives people the ability to create combinations they might not normally think of when they hear “salad.”
Q: And what about the most popular ingredients?
A: Cilantro lime chicken is definitely a favorite, along with avocado, roasted corn, cucumbers, pickled red onions, and edamame. Were also seeing people have a lot of fun mixing rice and greens together instead of choosing just one base.
Q: Do you have a favorite order?
A: It’s hard to choose just one, but I really like building a bowl topped with shrimp, pickled red onions, cucumbers, black olives and banana peppers.
Q: You have some sweet treats on the menu, too, right?
A: Yes! Our ice cream sandwiches have definitely become a fun part of Chop Wave. We wanted to have something indulgent to go along with all of the fresh options. You can customize those with different toppings, too, so there’s a little something for everyone.
Q: We saw on your website you have a rewards program. How does that work?
A: Customers can sign up for our rewards program and earn rewards when they order with us. We really wanted to have a way to give something back to our repeat customers and make being a Chop Wave regular a little more rewarding.
Q: You’re dine-in and takeout, right?
A: Yes. Customers are welcome to dine in with us or take their food to go. We also offer online ordering (chopwaveoc.com), which makes it really easy to order ahead and pick it up. And being in Ocean City, our food is perfect to grab and take to the beach or Boardwalk
Q: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
A: More than anything, I’d love for people to know that Chop Wave was created with a lot of heart. We wanted to bring something new, fresh, and exciting to one of the best shore towns. This has been a longtime dream, and were still learning, listening to our customers, and evolving as we grow.
Were also a year-round restaurant, and our menu changes with the seasons to keep things fresh and exciting. In the fall and winter, well be adding comforting seasonal options like soups, along with new rotating specials throughout the year. We want Chop Wave to always feel fresh, no matter the season.
By Kristen Down