Zoup is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer by doing two things it does best: serving delicious gourmet soup and giving back to the communities it serves. On July 20, the restaurant brand is teaming with its local franchise partners to show its appreciation to 20 fire departments across the country via the Zoup! to the Rescue program, which delivers Rescue Care Packages to deserving parties nominated by Zoup! customers.
“Reaching out into the communities we serve is one of our Zoup!isms,” says Zoup! founder and CEO Eric Ersher. “And who deserves our thanks more than firefighters? Some of the departments we’ve selected this year, such as Troy Fire Station No. 3 in Troy, MI, or Fire Station No. 1 in Maumee, OH, are largely staffed with volunteer firefighters who respond to calls from home or work! And many, like the Rocky River Fire Department in Ohio, are also involved in emergency medical services, water rescue, hazardous materials and public education for the community. We’re extremely proud to be able to show these remarkable individuals some small expression of our appreciation for the work they do.”
Rescue Care Packages are a popular way to provide a little bit of comfort and joy in someone’s life by delivering a bowl of delicious, filling soup, a big hunk of bread and a beverage. The Zoup! to the Rescue program began in 2011, offering Zoup! customers a way to nominate co-workers or community members who go above and beyond or just to show a friend or loved one that someone is thinking about them. Zoup! guests submitted 787 nominations in 2017. “Each of our franchisees does everything they can to fulfill as many nominations as possible,” Ersher says.
To nominate a friend or loved one, simply submit a form at zouprescue.com. The local owner or manager reviews all nominations and selects rescue recipients. The nominator is contacted to arrange a date and time to pick up the Rescue Care Package. Delivery is also available from select Zoup! locations.
Zoup! features a wide variety of award-winning soups with 12 rotating daily varieties, including low-fat, low-cal, vegetarian, made with gluten-free ingredients and dairy-free options, all served with a hunk of freshly baked bread. Customer favorites include Chicken Potpie, Lobster Bisque and Simply Gazpacho, but guests are encouraged to find the soup that’s perfect for them by sampling before they order. The menu also features seasonal, made-to-order salads and sandwiches, and all menu items are available in convenient catering sizes for groups of 10 or more. Online ordering is also available at zoup.com. Guests should join Zoup!’s InsiderZ program for more information, news and special offers including a “buy a bowl, get one free” deal just by signing up.
