Chop Bar owner and executive chef, Lev Delany, is one of Sprouts’ most loyal, longtime supporters. For the past six years, Lev has donated countless hours of his time, space, and ingredients to teaching Sprouts youth how to cook. With his help, Sprouts has taught over 1,450 kids to cook for their communities and families in 2018 alone! Chop Bar has also hosted and hired on several of our Chef-in-Training interns.

The Chop Bar, located near Jack London Square in Oakland, focuses on local ingredients and community. In West Africa, a chop bar is a roadside restaurant and bar that serves everything from coffee in the morning, to meals throughout the day, and drinks in the evening. Inspired by this community gathering place, co-owners Chris Pastena and Lev Delany decided to create their own chop bar in Oakland. Chop Bar strives to make everything in-house, and source ingredients from local farms whenever possible. They serve wine on tap, a more sustainable and fresh option than traditional wine service. Bringing wine in kegs reduces bottle waste, keeps costs down, and ensures stock is regularly rotated. They also host yearly pig roasts to bring the community together through food.

One of Oakland’s staple eateries, Chop Bar has been recognized by local publications like Check, Please! Bay Area On KQED, Alameda Magazine, SFGate, and East Bay Express. Chop Bar will be expanding across the street to a roomier kitchen, so they can do their commercial kitchen work and prep closer to home base. The renovations are underway for an opening around summer 2019. Sprouts couldn’t be more excited for Lev and Chris!