A Bite of Community at Hendersonville’s Three Chopt

There’s something magical about a sandwich that tastes like home, and at Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe in downtown Hendersonville, NC, that feeling isn’t just a menu item — it’s a way of life. For nearly four decades, this local legend has been serving up signature sandwiches and scoops of community spirit, right in the heart of town. Whether you’re a lifelong Hendersonville resident or planning to move to Hendersonville, sitting down at Three Chopt feels like pulling up a chair at a family table.

A Legacy Built One Sandwich at a Time

The shop’s roots are grounded in humble beginnings, thanks to longtime owner Matthew Rogers. What began as a childhood passion for hospitality — setting up lemonade and cookie tables at church — became a life mission of breaking bread with neighbors. Since 1990, Rogers has welcomed locals and visitors to his cozy corner eatery, where the popcorn is free, the stories are plenty, and every sandwich tells a tale.

Three Chopt’s menu isn’t just creative — it’s personal. Sandwich names like Apple Raisin Annie and Radiant Rosy are drawn from Rogers’s own family, while others like Super Sam and Marvelous Marvin honor friends who became community pillars. Love and legacy are sprinkled into every bite.

A Gathering Spot for All

When you walk through the doors at 103 Third Avenue East, don’t be surprised if Rogers greets you by name and offers a warm chat across the counter. He might also belt out a tune or discuss last night’s baseball game. The line between customer and friend blurs quickly here. This is the kind of place where generations of locals have grown up — and grown together.

Three Chopt isn’t just about lunch; it’s a part of Hendersonville’s daily rhythm. City workers, attorneys from nearby offices, families visiting from Hands On! Children’s Museum, retirees, and tourists all gather under one roof. No matter who you are or where you’re from, a warm bowl of chili and a smile await you here.

The Heartbeat of a Small Town

The shop’s story reveals a core truth about living in Hendersonville: community matters. During the 1993 blizzard, while much of the town shut down, Rogers bunkered up in the restaurant, firing up the stove to serve DOT workers and neighbors for free. In that moment, Three Chopt became more than a lunch spot — it was a beacon of generosity and togetherness.

Even today, the shop supports local causes, from Big Brothers Big Sisters pancake breakfasts to Boys & Girls Club dinner fundraisers. That legacy is literally written on the walls, which are covered in snapshots of former employees, notes from kids, and Cincinnati Reds memorabilia — a nod to Rogers’s favorite team.

Something for Everyone on the Menu

With sandwich names as charming as their flavors, here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• Elizabeth’s Mile Marker: Turkey, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, and house-made honey mustard on sourdough.
• Apple Raisin Annie: Chicken salad, golden raisins, apples, lettuce, tomato, drizzled with honey mustard — and the shop’s best-seller.
• Radiant Rosy: Grilled chicken with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and creamy ranch, named for Rogers’s wife.
• Marvelous Marvin: Loaded with turkey, roast beef, Swiss, cheddar, and more — a tribute and a meal to remember.

And yes, every table comes with a signature bowl of popcorn to munch on while you wait. Kids love it. Adults love it. It’s just one more way the place says, “you’re welcome here.”

If You’re Thinking of Moving Here…

Thinking of making a change or ready to relocate to Hendersonville? Three Chopt is the type of local gem you can expect to encounter — the kind that fosters real connection and says something special about the people here. It’s a quintessential stop and a perfect preview of what’s it like living in Hendersonville.

Want more insights into what makes this mountain town such a treasure? Check out 7 Reasons to Love Living in Hendersonville and you’ll quickly see why so many are drawn to this area.

Plan Your Visit

Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe isn’t just for special occasions — it’s for every lunch craving, every family get-together, and every moment you just want to feel like part of something real. Whether you’re visiting downtown for the first time or you’ve been coming here for years, this longtime lunch spot delivers flavor, comfort, and a big helping of heart.

Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe
103 Third Avenue East
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Get Directions

Looking for more things to do in Hendersonville? Visit Our State’s Tar Heel Towns to explore even more delightful experiences across the region.

Come hungry. Leave connected. That’s the Three Chopt way.