Franchising

WOWorks acquiring Zoup, Barberitos

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May 12, 2022

WOWorks, a holding company for Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, is acquiring Zoup Eatery and Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina.

"These brands share our overall goal to grow into one of the largest plant-forward, good-for-you companies in the restaurant sector," WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy said in a company press release. "Equally as important, both brands are in direct alignment with our WOWorks Vision, Mission and Shared Values (BE Passionate, BE Inventive, BE Accountable, BE Fulfilled, and BE Real). They are dedicated to fueling the passions of their team members, guests, partners and communities to give everyone the opportunity to live their best life."

Athens, Georgia-based Barberitos, which serves only natural meals, including hormone-free and plant-based proteins, was founded in 2000 and has 50 franchise-owned restaurants and four company-owned locations located primarily in the Southeast.

Zoup Eatery, which is centered around soups, broth bowls, salads and sandwiches, was founded in 1998 in Michigan and has 68 locations.

While Zoup Eatery will join the WOWorks family of better-for-you restaurant brands, Zoup Specialty Products LLC, will continue to operate separately by Eric Ersher, the founder and previous CEO of Zoup Systems. Ersher had overall responsibility for strategic planning, concept and product evolution, quality and franchise support for the Zoup brand.

As a result of these acquisitions, WOWorks now has six brands and will end the year with over 400 restaurants while creating over 10,000 job opportunities in the restaurant industry.

"We are incredibly proud of our entire WOWorks family and extremely excited to welcome Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup Eatery to our portfolio of brands," Roddy said. "Together, we look forward to fueling the 'Originality' of our team members, guests, business partners and communities and giving everyone the opportunity to live their best life."