Established
2007
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Ladles Soups has carved out a refreshing niche in the fast-casual dining landscape by offering something the market always craves—comfort food made from scratch, served quickly, and priced affordably. At a time when consumers want wholesome meals without sacrificing convenience, Ladles Soups has positioned itself as a warm, community-driven brand known for craft soups, sandwiches, salads, and daily fresh-made specialties. The brand’s genuine focus on quality over shortcuts has made it a standout franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a food-service business with a distinct identity and loyal customer base.
The concept is built on simple values: cook every batch fresh each day, serve food you’d proudly make at home, and create a neighborhood atmosphere that welcomes families, professionals, and students alike. Ladles Soups has become a local favorite in every market it enters, thanks to its rotating menu lineup, comfortable store layouts, and an inviting brand personality that blends homestyle charm with modern fast-casual efficiency.
For franchise buyers, Ladles Soups offers an approachable business model with strong unit economics, simplified operations, a curated menu that reduces food waste, and a brand that continues to expand across the United States as more communities search for natural, hearty, and healthier dining options.
Background
Ladles Soups was founded in 2007 by Dena Fanning, a Charleston-based entrepreneur with deep experience in the food-service industry. Her vision was to create a restaurant concept that felt like home—where every pot of soup is made from scratch daily, the ingredients are fresh, and guests feel like part of a neighborhood gathering place. What began as a single beloved local shop quickly grew into a scalable fast-casual franchise rooted in authenticity, community connection, and handcrafted cooking.
Since launching its franchise program, Ladles Soups has expanded steadily across the United States, building a strong presence in South Carolina and extending into nearby high-growth markets. Today, the brand operates 10+ franchise units, with new locations in development as more entrepreneurs seek approachable, fresh-crafted dining concepts. Ladles Soups maintains a measured, responsible growth philosophy, prioritizing high-quality operators and community-focused markets over rapid, unsustainable expansion.
The company remains guided by its founding values: small-batch preparation, clean ingredients, comfort-driven menu offerings, and warm hospitality. As a franchise, Ladles Soups operates within the Fast-Casual / Fresh-Crafted Restaurant category—one of the strongest-performing segments in the American dining industry. Its menu framework, operational simplicity, and strong lunch/dinner daypart mix make it an attractive business model for both owner-operators and multi-unit restaurant investors.
The ownership team continues to support franchise partners closely, offering hands-on guidance in operations, training, menu development, and marketing. This collaborative, family-style approach has helped Ladles Soups build a loyal customer base and a growing footprint, making it a compelling franchise opportunity in today’s evolving restaurant landscape.
Support Training
Ladles Soups invests heavily in franchise development and ongoing operational support, ensuring every owner has the training and resources required for long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance
• Lease negotiation guidance
• Location demographics analysis
• Store layout and kitchen design support
• Construction and build-out consultation
• Guidance on sourcing vendors, equipment, and fixtures
Initial Training
Ladles Soups provides a comprehensive multi-week training program covering:
• Day-to-day store operations
• Food preparation, safety, and consistency
• Menu execution and batch cooking
• Inventory management and cost control
• Hiring, scheduling, and labor management
• Customer service and brand standards
• POS usage and technology training
Marketing Support
• Grand-opening marketing strategy
• Local store marketing toolkit
• Social media templates and content suggestions
• Access to national promotions
• Digital marketing and community engagement guidance
Ongoing Support
• Field support visits and business reviews
• Menu updates, seasonal items, and new recipes
• Continuous brand training for new staff
• On-demand operational coaching
• Purchasing programs and negotiated vendor pricing
• Updated operating manuals and workflow enhancements
Ideal Candidate
Ladles Soups is best suited for entrepreneurs who value community, hospitality, and a food-service business with heart. While restaurant experience is helpful, it’s not mandatory. The franchise attracts a wide range of investors, including:
• First-time business owners seeking an approachable, affordable food-service model
• Entrepreneurs who want a hands-on, community-focused dining brand
• Multi-unit food-service operators looking to diversify into a simpler, fresh-craft concept
• Hospitality professionals ready to transition into ownership
• Investors searching for a franchise with manageable overhead and strong local appeal
The ideal franchisee is comfortable leading a team, enjoys customer interaction, and cares about delivering fresh, quality meals. A passion for community involvement—schools, local events, office catering—can significantly boost store performance. Financial readiness, commitment to daily operational excellence, and selecting strong, high-traffic locations are also key success factors.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $150,000 – $275,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Fee | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Expected ROI | 24 – 36 Months |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 8 – 18 Months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Seasonal Specials |
