Chop’s, Chamber’s ‘New Business of the Year,’ finds success in Lyndonville

Photos by Tom Rivers: Matt Burch, the owner of Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville, is shown with bar manager Emily Allan. Chop’s received its liquor license about a month ago. Burch put in a new bar top, painted the interior and added a pickup window inside that is separate from the bar, among the improvements at the former Curly’s.

LYNDONVILLE – Matt Burch started as a short-order cook at age 14. He worked throughout high school with his mother, Sandy Burger, who was manager of the Sportsman’s Club in Tonawanda.

At 19, Burch started working in masonry and he did that until 28. He had aching knees, from a torn ACL in high school and later blew out a knee playing basketball.

He saw an opportunity to open a pizzeria in Gasport in 2008. Burch has been known by his nickname of “Chops” since he was a kid. He decided to name the pizzeria “Chop’s” and it has been very popular. He expanded the menu and added a bar in 2017.

Burch was presented with an opportunity to open a second Chop’s in Lyndonville at the former Curly’s Lyndonville Hotel. Burch decided to do it, feeling confident in a strong team of employees, including kitchen manager D.J. Davis and bar manager Emily Allan.

Matt Burch and D.J. Davis, the kitchen manager, are shown looking through the takeout window.

He also praised the local employees, including many high schoolers. Chop’s has 22 employees in Lyndonville and about 35 in Gasport.

Chop’s serves pizza, and an expanded menu with burgers, sliders, wraps, stromboli, fish dinners, salads, chicken wings and subs.

The interior has been repainted, and Burch added a new pickup window inside that is separate from the bar. He put in a new bartop, and cabinets on the radiators.

He wants to offer a cozy place for people to enjoy a meal and a drink. Earlier this week many visiting fishermen were inside with some playing a game of pool.

Emily Allan, the bar manager, said the community has embraced Chop’s in Lyndonville. She has worked for Chop’s for four years, starting at the Gasport location.

She helps line up musicians for Lyndonville. The site wants to host more bands.

“I love the people and just being here with the customers,’ she said. “It’s fun to see everyone having a good time.”

For more information on Chops, click here.

Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville opened April 22 at the former Curly’s, which was open for 16 years.