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Article- Success Story 2- Zoup!
Grant Winkelman’s Zoup! Franchise Fills a Perfect Market Niche Through Great Food and Service
Grant opened his first Zoup! franchise in Grand Rapids, MI in 2006. Less than three years later, the venture was so successful that he opened a second location. Zoup! is a concept new to most markets, but has built enough strength and history to prove that it’s sustainable and attractive to customers. A final selling point for Grant was the investment price—nearly half of what would have been necessary for most other food-service outlets.
In 2005, while researching franchise opportunities, Grant was impressed by the unique market Zoup! attracts. “These days,” he observes, “there’s a McDonald’s on every corner, and a pizza place every block. Zoup! appealed to me because the customer’s experience in the restaurant is totally different from any other fast-casual dining outlet.”
People order pizza from places that offer the best coupons, and eat at major fast-food chains because they happen to be driving by when hunger strikes them. Customers seek out Zoup! because their signature soups, creative sandwiches and fresh salads are healthier and simply better than the fare offered elsewhere.
Since opening, Grant has found that his businesses clearly fill a niche food market in the communities he serves. And significantly, many of his customers can be counted on to swing by for lunch three, four or five days a week. The quick, healthy, diverse food attracts people who are worn out on burgers and bland subs.
But it hasn’t just been the customers whom Grant values. The Zoup! corporate office, he explains, is the real reason why he has been able to succeed. The company’s limited size and dedicated interest make it unequaled for accessibility and collaboration. Grant puts it this way: “When I need help—or have a question—I don’t contact the Regional VP of Corporate Oversight for Zone 32…” He calls up the headquarters and talks to people with whom he’s on a first-name basis.
“Unique” is the word that Grant keeps coming up with when discussing Zoup! From their corporate training programs, which ensure that each new franchisee is thoroughly prepared for the task ahead, to a well-defined organizational structure, Zoup! offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, sustainable business that has proven exceedingly successful for those who take the jump.
Grant Winkelman
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Number of Franchises: Two
Locations: Grand Rapids, MI / Wyoming, MI
Zoup! Journey Started: 2006
Why Zoup!?
Most restaurant entrepreneurs get two options: opening a repetitive franchise in an already saturated market, or starting a new brand without any name recognition or corporate support. Zoup! combines the best of the alternatives—new and attractive to customers, but with a strong base and corporate backing. Grant is happy to know that conversations with the Regional VP of Corporate Oversight for Zone 32 are clearly left to other franchises.
