Arizona Officially Recognizes The Original Chopped Salad as a Statewide Culinary Icon
- Wesley Sorce
- May 1
- 1 min read
PHOENIX, AZ — Today, in a proud moment for Arizona’s food community, the State has officially recognized The Original Chopped Salad as a celebrated culinary staple. A proclamation was signed by Senator Lela Alston and Representative Sarah Liguori honoring the dish and its legacy, as well as its creator, Chef Bernie Kantak, and the team at The Gladly in Phoenix.
The proclamation reads:
“The Original Chopped Salad [is recognized] as a celebrated culinary staple of Arizona and commends the contributions of Chef Bernie Kantak and The Gladly for its role in preserving and sharing this iconic dish, and expresses its appreciation for the chefs, restaurateurs and culinary professionals who continue to enrich our city's cultural landscape.”
Created in 1997, the Original Chopped Salad has grown into one of Arizona’s most beloved and widely recognized dishes — with over 75,000 salads enjoyed annually at The Gladly and its sister restaurants. It attracts fans far and wide, often inspiring replications (never duplications) on menus across the country.
The recognition also highlights the broader importance of small, independent restaurants in shaping Arizona’s cultural and economic fabric. Local establishments like The Gladly serve not only as places to eat, but as pillars of community, creativity, and connection.
To commemorate the occasion, May 1st will now be known as Original Chopped Salad Day across Arizona — a delicious tribute to a dish that continues to feed and inspire the masses.
SOURCE:Hannah Lyons — Marketing Director,
www.thegladly.com | @thegladly
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