Women in Leadership
COVID-19 forces Soupergirl to close cafes, embrace retail
Although COVID-19 forced Soupergirl to close its two cafes, the mother-daughter duo behind the Washington D.C. company is doubling its revenue in 2022 thanks to a pivot toward retail partnerships.
October 25, 2021 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Although COVID-19 forced Soupergirl to close its two cafes, the mother-daughter duo behind the Washington D.C. company is doubling its revenue in 2022 thanks to a pivot toward retail partnerships.
After winning a national competition to be part of Kroger's Go Fresh & Local program, earning the right to launch soups on Kroger's shelves, CEO Sara Polon and her mother, Marilyn, also inked deals to sell soups in Harris Teeter and MOM's Organic Markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
"We are a values-focused business that truly believes that the larger we grow, the bigger impact we can have on everything and everyone," Polon told FastCasual. "By focusing our energies on grocery stores, we can reach more people in the most efficient manner possible."
In addition, Soupergirl is partnering with PLNT Burger, a plant-based burger fast casual concept helmed by Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Soupergirl's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is now available on PLNT's menu as part of a combo featuring the chain's Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
"In a new post-Covid (or mid-Covid) world, consumers are looking for brands that care more about top-line sales, Polon said. "When similarly-minded companies partner together, the impact only becomes greater. "We're only just getting started."
Although restaurants are no longer the main focus at Soupergirl, Polon said the mission hasn't changed; it's just growing.
"It has always been about saving the world, one bowl of soup at a time," she said. "Many, many, many bowls of soup shall be cooked."
To help manage the growth, Soupergirl has hired Heather Stouffer, CEO of Mom Made Foods, as COO.
"Heather is an organic-food visionary with deep experience managing and growing companies," Polon said.
Stouffer said Soupergirl was poised to dominate the fresh soup category.
"This unique, values-focused brand is positioned to be the breakout leader in the category and beyond. I'm thrilled to join this female-led powerhouse team as we enter a new phase of growth," she said.
Founded in 2008, Soupergirl also sells soups at Whole Foods, Costco, Giant Delivers, Wegmans and Lidl. It ships soup nationwide and has appeared on ABC's "Shark Tank," NBC's "Today Show" and CBS's "The Dish."
About Cherryh Cansler
