Local entrepreneurs expand to second business location
August 3, 2011
by Laura Freeman | Reporter
Hudson -- Instead of retiring, a local couple opened their own business and have been so successful, they're expanding to a second location.
Don, 69, and Pat, 57, opened Zoup! Fresh Soup Co. in Solon in 2006 and now they are opening a second franchise site in Warrensville Heights in early November.
Zoup! Fresh Soup Co. features 12 rotating varieties of soup every day and includes Chicken Pot Pie and Lobster Bisque in addition to more unique soups like Mulligatawny, Cheeseburger Royale and Ginger Butternut Squash.
Each order is served with a hunk of fresh baked bread. The menu also includes about eight different made-to-order salads and sandwiches.
Don, who spent 20 years in the newspaper business and 15 years in banking wanted to go into business for himself and chose the Zoup franchise.
"With Zoup, it's healthy food, a good product and a lot of repeat customers," Don said. "We know a lot of customers by name, and it's something you can feel good about."
Pat said it was scary at first. They were the third franchise store in the system, which has grown to 35 stores.
"It was a lot more work than I expected," Pat said. "I tend to be a control freak, and I wanted to be there all the time to make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to do."
In the beginning they both worked 14 hours a day.
"When you're in business for yourself, you work twice as hard for half the money," Don said.
Now the first store is running smoothly, and they want to expand to a second store.
"Opening a new store is something exciting to look forward to," Pat said.
Pat said they were selected as the company's 2010 Franchise Owners of the Year based on store condition, customer service, mentorship and running the business within food and labor costs.
Don said the soup, salad and sandwich concept is a good alternative to fast food but success is from personal involvement and attention to detail.
"We try to provide a good eating experience," Don said.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Zoup is closed on Sundays during the winter months.
For more information, please visit www.zoup.com.
See original story: http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/5075654
