Zoup!: Elevating the Soup Experience in Fast-Casual Dining

Zoup! is a fast-casual restaurant franchise renowned for its award-winning soups, along with made-to-order salads and sandwiches. Established in 1998 in Southfield, Michigan, Zoup! was founded by former spice merchants who recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, comforting soups. They dedicated nearly two years to developing proprietary recipes that would distinguish their offerings in the competitive foodservice industry.

The first Zoup! restaurant opened its doors in 1998, and the brand began franchising in 2003 with its inaugural franchise location in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since then, the franchise has grown to include multiple locations across the United States and Canada, bringing its unique soup-focused concept to a wide audience looking for wholesome, flavorful meals served quickly.

Zoup!’s menu features 12 always-rotating soup varieties daily, each served with a hunk of freshly baked bread. The offerings cater to a wide range of dietary needs, with choices that are vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, spicy, or low-fat. In addition to soups, the menu includes made-to-order salads and sandwiches, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

What sets Zoup! apart from competitors is its “Everything Matters” philosophy—a commitment to excellence that touches every aspect of the brand, from recipe development to customer service.

Training

Zoup! Franchising provides a comprehensive training program for franchisees and their management personnel to ensure successful operation of their restaurant. The types of training offered by the Franchisor include:

1. Initial Training Program: This mandatory training is about four weeks long and includes both classroom and practical sessions. Topics covered include financial controls, bookkeeping, food preparation, operations, marketing, sanitation, and quality standards. A 2-day sanitation certification course by the National Restaurant Association is also required. The training is held at a designated site and is free of charge for up to three management personnel, but travel and living expenses are the franchisee’s responsibility.
2. On-the-Job Training: Out of the four-week training, about two weeks are hands-on training conducted in Southfield, Michigan, covering all operational aspects including POS systems, guest service, and supply chain management. Additional training may take place at the franchisee's restaurant or another designated location.
3. Franchise Orientation Seminar: Conducted either in person at the headquarters or via webinar, this seminar provides an overview of the franchise system, site selection, and buildout criteria.
4. Refresher Training Programs: Periodically, Zoup! may require previously trained franchisees or their management to attend refresher sessions. These are intended to keep operators up-to-date with evolving practices and may be held at the Franchisor’s headquarters or another location. Franchisees bear the cost of attendance.

Territory Protection

Zoup! Franchising provides franchisees with a protected territory linked to their approved location, but this protection is not exclusive. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or brands under the franchisor's control.

The franchisor retains the right to operate or license restaurants within a franchisee’s territory in specific “captive locations” like malls or airports. The size and scope of the territory are set at Zoup!’s discretion and are not guaranteed to prevent all competition.