The 23rd Annual International Franchise Expo wrapped June 21 at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Center. The event was deemed, “the biggest franchise expo in the world.”
BlackEnterprise.com is putting the spotlight on less obvious franchise opportunities showcased at the expo that may have potential.
Original SoupMan launches mobile food truck franchise.
The Original Soupman has been a landmark venue for quality soup in New York since 1984. A feature on an episode of “Seinfeld” made the line “No soup for you” a staple in pop culture, and the brand name world famous. Now the brand is taking its show on the road.
Legendary soup guy and media figure Al Yaganeh oversees production, quality control, new product and menu development. He has more than 35 years of experience in the culinary arts and operated the famous Soup Kitchen International in New York City.
Food trucks are one of the culinary world’s hottest new trends and a fast-growing franchise opportunity. The industry generated more than one billion dollars in revenue between 2007 and 2013.
The soup market is also a winning food category. With billions of dollars in grocery and restaurant sales, you can get soup as a daily special at diners across the country.
Here are seven reasons why this franchise concept could have traction.
Brand Recognition:
New Yorkers and tourists have embraced this brand of soup as one of the best tasting in the world even before the Seinfeld episode.
Franchisee Marcus Crawford, says the brand is working to bridge the gap with people who are unfamiliar with the popularization of the product. He says, “We know that food trucks are really hot now. Why not take our dynamic product, put it on a truck, and start reaching a bigger base?
RELATED: International Franchise Expo Coming to New York
Affordability:
As far as franchises go, the cart program seems like a bargain. The cart costs $30,000. You could get the business up and running at a total ball park cost of $50 to 60,000.
Celebrity Endorsers
Shaquille O’Neal is a big believer in this product and has been pushing it hard. In a statement to Blackenterprise.com he says, “The brand is a winner! We have an undeniable product in the soups and a strong supporting staff in the trenches moving the brand forward. The SoupMan lobster Bisque is my favorite with its huge chunks of real lobster meat! Wow!â€
One of America’s iconic athletes Reggie Jackson A.K.A Mr. October is special advisor for strategic relationships. Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander is also a supporter.
Soupman food truck franchise arrives Intl. Franchise Expo
Mobility:
Crawford says, “We serve a great product like we would out of a restaurant, but out of the cart. You can take it to Wall Street five days a week,
and during the weekend to a fair, festival, theme park, baseball or football game. Anywhere across the country you think you can find a big market. You can’t get that with a regular brick and mortar. With a store if you open in a spot that’s a bust and decide to sell no-one wants it. And you’ve got hundreds of thousands of dollars invested.”Profitability:
It’s simple to maintain, with a limited number of employees and no rent. Crawford has been taking the cart to venues across the country over the last year to gauge the market. He says on an average day he brings in as much as $2000.
Taste and Flavor
The cart program offers between seven and nine flavors from 40 Soupman brands. They put all the soups on rotation depending on customer demand and personal choice. They also offer a sandwich and the soup combo and a lobster roll sandwich.
Marketability:
The Original SoupMan has partnered with The Atlanta Franchise Group, a franchise development company, to push sales. They will partner on multiple fronts including franchise sales and development, franchise operations and training and franchise implementation.
With more than 20 years of experience and $400 million in generated revenue, Atlanta Franchise Group has a proven track record for launching and scaling franchise concepts.
So will the black community embrace the brand?
Shaquille says, “Soupman soups are bold and spicy flavor. My family and friends love the soups so I think this product will do well in the African American community. We also have great feedback from our customers and strong sales in Newark, NJ.”
They also have a popular pilot program at Malcolm X Shabazz High School that serves soup and other lunch items.
Franchisees get a three-week classroom training period, manuals on food safety and a written test. After that all they’ll need is to fill the cups right and treat the customers with respect.
Some disadvantages include the weather, finding parking, vehicle problems, traffic, a crowded space, and truck maintenance.