Zoup's Newest Location: New Glenview Restaurant Aims To Put Soup On Top Of The Menu

A new soup-oriented restaurant is joining Glenview's array of dining options.

Zoup Fresh Soup Company, the latest franchise in a Southfield, Mich.-based company, is scheduled to open Feb. 6 in the northwest part of town, at 2743 Pfingsten Road.

Arlington Heights resident Andrew Siegel, the co-owner of Glenview's Zoup location, said he is happy to cater to soup-lovers on the North Shore.

Originally from Michigan, Siegel said he first discovered the restaurant while visiting his parents in the late 1990s. Zoup, which launched its first location in 1998, caught his eye while he was driving, he said.

"I thought, 'Zoup "� what a cute name,' " he said, adding that he got hooked on the concept after trying his first soup, chicken pot pie, at the restaurant.

In addition to sandwiches and salads, the restaurant boasts hundreds of soup recipes and offers 12 rotating daily varieties.

"There will always be something for everybody," Siegel said.

Since its creation, the franchise expanded to include 58 locations in more than 15 states. About 25 more new Zoup locations are scheduled to open up in 2014, said Eric Ersher, founder and CEO of the company.

"I noticed that really good soup is hard to find," said Ersher, who said he used to sell soups to restaurants before starting his own company. "It was always an afterthought."

He added that he discovered that people are also drawn to soup because they associate it with comfort and well-being.

Ersher said his goal is to deliver the best quality soup possible.

He added that the company recently started making its own chicken broth in glass jars for sale.

Zoup has six other locations in Illinois, including in downtown Chicago, Downers Grove and Orland Park.

In Glenview, Siegel said he plans to hold a fundraiser on Feb. 5 to celebrate the opening of his business. The event, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is going to raise money for the Autism Society of Illinois.

Attendees can get a bowl of soup and a drink by donating $5.

Some nearby residents expressed interest in the new restaurant, which is located alongside other business in the Plaza del Prado shopping center.

Glenview resident Tong Park, who visits the area a couple of times a week, said he likes soup and would probably stop by the new Zoup location once it opens.

"I don't think I've ever heard of a place that specializes in soup," Park said.

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