• by Teresa Buyikian , February 22, 2024

Chef-driven soup chain Zoup! this week announced its rebrand to Z!EATS. Restaurant redesigns and a total menu revamp, “especially curated for Gen Z diners,” are also in the works, to be completed by the end of 2024, according to the announcement.

The first Z!EATS rebranded location is set to open in Atlanta in the spring. With a new plant-focused and health-conscious menu, the brand is expanding its efforts beyond soups to also include sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and mac and cheese. Soup will be served as “Shooters” to accompany meals.

The current Zoup! menu includes rotating soup options such as Alligator Gumbo, Broccoli Cheddar, Burger Cheeseburger, White Chicken Chili, Chicken Noodle and Loaded Baked Potato, among others.

"For over 25 years, Zoup! has reigned as an industry leader in creative soups, and the Z!EATS menu represents an extension of our soup heritage to a diverse range of options tailored to the next generation of fast-casual food enthusiasts," explained Ted Asbury, CMO of WOWorks, Z!EATS parent company, in a release. "Z!EATS is establishing itself as a plant-forward brand, offering health-conscious fare along with an elevated overall dining experience."

The redesigned restaurants will have an enhanced dine-in environment, and the updated kitchen design help to facilitate carry-out, delivery and catering services.

With nearly 100 locations in Colorado, New York, Illinois, Georgia and Michigan among others and internationally in Ontario, Canada the chain also announced plans for extensive future growth.

"With the broad appeal of Z!EATS, we have the potential to expand to 500 restaurants nationwide over the next five years," stated Brian Farris, chief development officer for Z!EATS and WOWorks, in the announcement.

Founded in Southfield, MI in 1997, the original Zoup! launched with 12 original soups, all served with a “hunk of bread.” The chain grew to add sandwiches, salads and its own store-baked ciabatta bread.