LNC Ventures LLC, parent company of Souper Salad restaurants, has refranchised 16 units since its late-fall 2012 announcement that it would achieve a greater balance between franchise and company ownership of restaurants. At present, 22 of 45 Souper Salad units are franchise-owned. Several additional transfers are pending.
“We are excited to be well on our way towards accomplishing our franchising initiative goals. As a former franchisee, I understand the dedication and hard work these individuals will put into their businesses and how that will only make the Souper Salad system better,” stated Dan Hernandez, Owner and CEO of LNC Ventures. “Not only are we breathing new life into the brand with these new energized members, we’re also able to better serve our company-owned stores with a model that is more stable and less capital intensive. We are looking forward to completing this transition and working with our newest team members as we continue to grow the brand.”
All of Souper Salad’s new franchisees are experienced operators having previously owned or operated retail brands including Jersey Mike’s, CiCi’s Pizza, 7-11, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s and Little Caesar’s Pizza. The largest single purchase was of the Colorado Springs and Denver markets, five units in all. A 4-unit Phoenix market was also purchased by a single franchise group along with single unit deals in Austin, Houston, Charlotte, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Pueblo.
Founded in 1978, Souper Salad is an operator of 23 company-owned and 22 franchised all-you-care-to-eat soup and salad bar restaurants in seven states located predominantly in the South and West. A selection of salad items, soups, pasta salads, baked potatoes, breads and desserts are made fresh daily at each location. Visit www.soupersalad.com for more information.
