News

Zoup! looks to stir Ontario franchise pot

April 17, 2011

Looking to feed Ontario's growing entrepreneurial spirit, Zoup! Fresh Soup Company, will host a franchise seminar through the FranNet of South Ontario's "Meet the Franchisor" workshop May 3.

The seminar will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Mississauga, and will be hosted by Gary Prenevost, FranNet's top franchisee in North America.

"I have received numerous requests from my clients to represent food concepts in the fast casual category, and I'm thrilled to represent Zoup! and its unique franchise opportunity," Prenevost said in a news release. "Over the years, Zoup! has built an incredible infrastructure and offers the support to help guide the savvy entrepreneur looking to grow within a proven franchise system."

During the workshop, Zoup! will host a soup tasting of its award-winning Lobster Bisque, Chicken Pot Pie and vegetarian soups, followed by a presentation and Q&A with Eric Ersher, Zoup! founder and managing partner, and Richard Simtob, Zoup! partner. An additional workshop will be held later in the day. The workshop is free, but registration is required.

Zoup! has 31 restaurants open in eight states and has an aggressive growth plan to expand its concept and menu throughout the northern half of the United States and Canada. With its first Canadian franchise set to open in Waterloo, Ontario, the company has plans for an additional 25 Ontario locations throughout the next five years.

"As we continue to build momentum and grow our concept in the United States and Canada, we've turned to Ontario to become the center for further Canadian growth," Ersher said. "We hope that those attending our workshops will see the strength of our business model and feel the unique culture we bring to the franchise community."