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Fran

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4 Our Story5 - 10 Menu11 Online Ordering12 Delivery13 Fast Casual Market14- 15 Investment16 Customer Reviews17- 18 Franchise Owner Testimonials19 - 20 Franchise Support21- 22 Meet the Team23 Why Zoup!?24 Target Growth Markets25 Steps to Own26 Next Steps

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our story

While we started with a single restaurant and 12 rotating daily soups, today’s Zoup! Eateries offer an enticing, innovative menu that pays homage to our rich soup and broth heritage. From salads and sandwiches to mac, Sustain-a-Bowls, craft beverages and more, we’ve evolved our menu, but that’s not all. Robust ordering and delivery technology and a sweeping, polished restaurant redesign give guests the experience they want whether they’re on the go or looking to sit and savor their meal.

From their early days as spice merchants selling seasonings and blends to restaurants, our founders never settled for good enough. When they discovered soup was often an afterthought, they set out on a mission to make Good, Really Good® soup using only the freshest ingredients possible. Now, their mission to be undeniably better than “good enough” applies not only to our soup, but everything we do.

two guys and some oregano

soup was just the start

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digitalmenu boards

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Really good soup begins with really good ingredients. Which is why we craft our soups with fresh, flavorful and nutritious everything. And, without any artificial flavors, colors or added preservatives.

We’re the leading soup-differentiated fast-casual restaurant franchise, defining the category with our wide variety of always-rotating, Good, Really Good® soups.

soup that’s real. and, really good.

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sandwichesWe hand-craft our sandwiches from the good stuff - like antibiotic free chicken and turkey, high-quality produce, and our own house-made sauces.

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saladsWith fresh, good-for-you greens, clean meats and house-made dressings, our salads are the perfect compliment to a hearty soup or sandwich.

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broth and grain bowlsThese nutritious, big-flavor meals feature slow-simmered bone broth and warm full-husk brown rice and ancient grains. Sure to satisfy the tastes and appetites of guests looking to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Zoup! Good, Really Good ® chicken bone broth

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mac and cheeseNothing says comfort in a bowl like our creamy white cheddar sauce over shells topped with signature Zoup! ingredients like Lobster Bisque and crispy pie crust.

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online ordering, app & rewards

The Zoup! App and zoup.com online ordering platform offer guests the frictionless easy ordering they demand. These platforms also help Franchise Owners expand their reach well beyond the foot-traffic that once drove a restaurant’s business. The Zoup! Support Center brings the process full circle with customized marketing campaigns that track online conversions and trigger sales.

Market to the masses online ordering

Zoup!’s Insiderz Rewards encourages repeat visits with a simple sign-up and redemption program. This is a priceless tool for remarketing to guests.

increase frequencyreward your guests

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Delivery is here to stay, which is why we offer franchisees the most cost-effective model available. Through our partnership with nationally recognized Olo, we provide Dispatch Delivery for online and App orders via third-party drivers. We also partner with third-party delivery sites like the brands shown below.

good, really good delivery

delivery

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Fast-casual market Fast casual has been the growth engine of the restaurant industry for almost 20 years. The number and diversity of fast-casual restaurants has been exploding across the country, with an astounding growth over 500% since 1999! It is still growing today.

Fast-casual chains continued to drive and build sales in 2018, and the segment’s unit growth far outpaced the rest of the industry. In fact, it made up the vast majority of the industry’s unit growth as fast-casual operators expanded into more markets.

Fast-casual chains generated $42.2 billion in total U.S. sales in 2018, up 8% from the year before. This percentage easily bested any other industry sector’s growth in 2018.

Evolving consumer tastes and creative restaurant concepts like Zoup! Eatery are the driving forces behind this growth. Increasingly, consumers are looking for healthy alternatives and are more dynamic in their tastes - they’re looking for more than the typical burger, fries or pizza.

Fast Food fast casual casual dining fast dining

SOURCe: Adams, Erika. “Fast Casual Chains Demonstrate Steady Industry Growth.” Skift Table, SKift Inc., 22 Apr. 2019, table.skift.com/2019/04/22/fast-casual-chains-demonstrate-steady-industry-growth/.

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investment

type of expenditure low highFranchise Fee $39,900 $39,900

Leasehold Improvements* $62,500 $278,000

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment $135,000 $155,000

Signage & Point of Sale $50,000 $64,000

Grand Opening Advertising $8,000 $8,000

Initial Inventory $30,000 $30,000

Other Openings Cost $23,000 $53,600

Working Capital - 3 Months $7,500 $20,000

total estimated Cost $355,900 $648,500

do i QualiFy?We look for partners with a management, business or restaurant background; a passion for the Zoup! brand and culture; and the ability to lead a team to provide exceptional guest service. Franchisees also should genuinely enjoy people and want to part of their community.

Qualified Candidates should have:Liquid Cash: $150,000

Net Worth: $500,000

Good Credit: Rating at above 680

Zoup!’s start-up costs are less than many restaurant franchises. The costs below are for a single-unit franchise location, however, we also offer multi-unit opportunities.

*Net of Landlord Build-out Allowances

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how much can i make?

Profitability varies depending on a number of factors, including sales, labor, food costs, location, rent and your ability to manage the business. More details available in our FDD.

averagegross sales 2018

$876,261

$773,138top 25% of locations

top 50% of locations

check out the numbers

2018 revenue

Average $630,344High $1,264,970

investmentInvestment Range $357,900 – $650,500

Financing from SBA Approved Banker 70%

Approval Record 100%

key numbersAverage Food & Paper Cost 32.6%

Average Ticket $14.24

Royalties 6%

Average Labor (including Manager Salary Avg. $49,400 & Taxes) 24.1%

Brand Fund 2%

Size 1,800-2,000 sq ftCustomer Service & Training Fund 0.5%

79 Locations open entire year Historical Item # 19 - Earnings Claim

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customer reviews

Yelp Review

This place has a wonderful selection that you can sample. The staff is extremely

helpful and kind. The food was wonderfully presented, delicious, with healthy choices

and a perfect portion for your money. Would highly recommend!

-Shannon

Yelp Review

Great place, salads were fresh, lobster bisque was to die for, breads tasted fresh baked.

Zoup! was very clean and well maintained; the staff was very accommodating and

knowledgeable. Give them a try you won’t regret it!

-Rod

Google Review

Amazing service and amazing food. The quality keeps me loving this place for

any day of the week. Keep up the great work guys!

-David

Google Review

My wife and I were just passing through and this place made for an AMAZING lunch. It

was honestly difficult to choose what to eat because they all looked great! They even had free samples for as many soups as we wanted.

The staff were some of the nicest folks I’ve met. Great place and excellent food!

-Ben

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franchisee testimonials

“When we first opened, the Zoup! Support Center staff spent time at my locations to lend a hand and help reinforce the brand’s amazing culture.” – Mike Haskins Owner of locations in Maumee and Toledo, OH

“The transition from Registered Nurse to business owner was not as difficult as you might think. In both positions, you need to care for other people, show compassion and listen well. My husband and I are proud to own a business and to teach our children the importance of hard work and pride of ownership.” – Tonisha Bryant Owner of the Evergreen Rd. location in Southfield, MI

“When we first talked about owning our location, I could picture it – our friends and family working in the business and us supporting community organizations and sports teams. We’ve had the opportunity to build so much; we wouldn’t trade it for the world.” – Heather & Ludwig Castaneda-Gonzalez Owners of the Holland, MI location

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“What I like about Zoup! is the uniqueness, the product quality and the variety. It’s fun to see people’s reactions to the brand…they always want to tell me their favorite meal or to share something positive about their experience. I enjoy being the face of a local business that people have a passion for.” – Grant Winkelman Owner of three Grand Rapids, MI area locations

“Coming into the restaurant industry with zero previous experience was a concern of mine initially. Even before I found the right location, Zoup!’s proven concept and support from the business office (BizO) made this concern nonexistent. The excellent support and response I have received every step of the way has instilled me the confidence I needed to grow a succeeding business over the past 6 years. The open and honest feedback is always appreciated, and I value the relationships that I have made with the great, fun, hard working folks within the Business office. The passion within this brand is contagious.” – David Kroeker Owner of the Cambridge, ON location.

“I came to Zoup! with experience operating a different franchise restaurant concept. The Zoup! culture, and brand really attracted me. The assistance from the Support Center has been top notch and refreshing. The people at the Support Center are professional, available and ready to offer good advice whenever I need assistance. The training is phenomenal and I am so proud to be a part of this organization! “ – Julie Thomsen Owner of the St. Joseph, MI location.

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franchise supportOur experienced Franchisee Support Team is trained and ready with the best-in-class support and systems you need to run a successful Zoup! Eatery. From operations and training to technology and marketing, our professionals are proactive planners and creative problem solvers with a passion for helping your business thrive.

leadership teaMThe Zoup! Leadership Team brings together carefully chosen industry experts with specific talents and skill sets. Together, they elevate the concept, driving it forward and ensuring our category-leading role and longevity. See page 20 to learn more about our team and how each member contributes to the brand’s and franchisees’ success.

training and onboardingThe Zoup! Support Center’s comprehensive training and onboarding program gives you the tools, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to run a rewarding business. We’re by your side as you learn, customizing your journey to build on your strengths and create opportunities for improvement. Our Z!Train New Owner Training program is conducted at our Support Center and training restaurants in Michigan.

In-Store Experience 3 Weeks of Training (in-store &

classroom]

Hands-On Live Practice

Opening Support & Training

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real estateA dedicated team helps franchisees with location selection, tenant representation, broker management, letter of Intent development and lease negotiations. Our Construction Team helps manage the build-out process, including layout, design, bid review, general contractor selection and acquisition of fixtures, furniture and equipment.

operationsOur Field Director will work with you on an ongoing basis to help you spot opportunities and grow your business. Support includes conference calls and onsite visits. We also hold annual Regional Franchise Meetings and an Annual Franchise Reunion to enable you to learn about new developments and to exchange ideas with other owners and Support Team Members.

Centrally managed technology

• Digital Menu Boards

• Digital Pop

• Online Ordering and App

• Loyalty

• Menu Management Systems

• Third Party Integrations

• Digital Marketing

marketingOur Director of Franchise Marketing works with you to develop and implement your Grand Opening Plan. Then, the Marketing Team provides ongoing support, including strategic planning, community outreach, social media set-up and management, four-walls campaigns, seasonal programming and video and graphic design services.

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meet the teaM

eric ersher FOUNDER & CEOEric started Zoup! in 1998 and has grown from restaurant owner to CEO and Visionary. From 1994 to 2000, he was an owner of Michigan Foods, which manufactured and distributed custom spice blends, pre-mixed and prepared soups to chain restaurants. Eric is responsible for strategic planning, concept and menu evolution, and vision for the Zoup! brand and culture.

jason valentinePRESIDENT & COOJason joined Zoup! in early 2018. From 2013 to 2018, he was VP of Operations at Cousins Subs, a Wisconsin-based fast-casual deli chain with more than 100 units. Prior to joining Cousins Subs Corporate, Jason led his family’s multi-unit franchise system. Through these roles, Jason has gained a deep understanding of being a franchisor and a franchisee.

ed andrewsCHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICEREd joined Zoup! in 2015. From 2008 to 2015, he was the IT Director for Austin Benefits Group. From 1998 to 2008, Ed worked for Crosswinds Communities in several technology roles, including VP of Information Technology. Ed is responsible for the overall vision, development and implementation of Zoup! technology.

scott dayCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERScott joined Zoup! in 2014. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan and started his career as a Consultant for Deloitte & Touche. Scott has spent the later part of his career developing and growing middle market businesses. At Zoup! his responsibilities include finance, distribution and supply management.

richard ZimmerDIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATERichard joined Zoup! in 2006. Before joining Zoup!, he was in franchise development for PJE Enterprises, Fantastic Sams Master Franchisee. Richard has been a licensed commercial real estate agent since 2002 and assists Zoup! Franchise Owners in the franchise qualification process and local market site selection.

richard simtobPARTNERRichard has been a Partner at Zoup! since 2010. Prior to joining Zoup! he was a Partner at Wireless Toyz from 2004 to 2009. In 2002, Richard began working with Eric and was in-strumental in helping Zoup! launch and expand its franchise program. Richard is responsible for franchise development and site selection ne-gotiation.

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robert kirMaDIRECTOR OF NEW RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT

Robert joined Zoup! in 2009. From 2005 to 2008, Robert was Vice President of Design & Construction for Wireless Toyz. From 1998 to 2005, he was General Manager of G.A.V. & Associates, Inc., an architectural firm. Robert manages the pre-opening process, including design and construction support.

christina treCapelliDIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE MARKETINGChris joined the Zoup! team in 2012 as a Franchise Marketing Support Coordinator. She now directs Zoup!’s franchise marketing through digital advertising, brand fund management and new restaurant openings. Chris also drives local store marketing initiatives and fosters community involvement for the brand.

riley kirchoffDIRECTOR OF MARKETINGRiley joined Zoup! in 2018. Prior to Zoup!, she worked across departments at Cousins Subs Corporate, a Wisconsin-based fast-casual restaurant franchise. Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and leads Zoup!’s creative team, branding initiatives, national promotions and marketing calendar.

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why zoup!?uniquely skilled leadership teaM

growth opportunities

proprietary technology

system wide delivery

mobile app

modern design

loyalty

menu with something for everyone

we offer and encourage sampling

compelling Catering options

Family friendly work hours

deliberate and strong culture

20+ year niche leader soup & broth

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target growth markets

Area Development Only (8+ units)

Single & Multiple Units Available

Not Currently Available

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steps to own a zoup! franchise8 steps to starting your own Zoup! restaurant franchise:

you’re on your wayCongratulations! Now that you’ve read this Guide, you’ve taken the first step toward owning a Zoup! Eatery franchise.

1 biz planUse the template we provide to prepare your individual Zoup! Business Plan.

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Chat with us!Schedule a call with our Director of Franchise Development and Real Estate, Richard Zimmer.

2Meet the team dayVisit our Support Center in Southfield, MI for a two-day team Meet and Greet and to complete your in-store training experience.

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brush up on your Zoup! knowledgeLearn about all things Zoup! with our digital webinars, including a message from our founder and details about marketing, training and the real estate/construction process.

3sign on the dotted lineReceive Zoup! approval and sign the Franchise Agreement.

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the legal stuffReceive and review Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

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Find the perfeCt locationBegin site selection process with our Real Estate team. 4-5 months later, your store will open with our Support Center Team to guide you every step of the way.

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richard zimMerDIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATErzimmer@zoupco.com(800) 940-9687 ext. 2

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next stepsAs passionate as we are about creating great food and an outstanding customer experience, we’re equally inspired to help people change their lives by becoming entrepreneurs. If you’re excited about our concept and what our franchise system has to offer, we’d be happy to answer your questions and discuss next steps.

Contact us at:franchise@zoup.com800.940.ZOUP (9687)