Soupy’s Comeback With New Locations: As Louisville residents dig out from winter snow and endure freezing temperatures, a local restaurant known for serving comfort food is positioning itself for a return to growth.
Soupy’s, a long-standing Louisville brand, operates a compact 450-square-foot drive-thru location at 3027 Hunsinger Lane in Hikes Point, offering 10 homemade soups, along with salads and sandwiches. Despite its small physical footprint, the business generated $1 million in sales last year, supported by its brick-and-mortar store, a food truck, and lunch contracts with two Louisville independent schools, according to Louisville Business First.
Owner John Lesch said the brand continues to draw customers from across the city and beyond, even with just one permanent location remaining. At its peak, Soupy’s operated six locations in Louisville, but operational challenges eventually forced the company to scale back to its Hikes Point store.
Now, Lesch says the company is ready to rebuild. To support its expansion strategy, Soupy’s has partnered with Franchise Development Group LLC, a Buffalo, New York–based firm, with plans to open three new locations in Greater Louisville this year.
Also read: Ford’s Garage Opens New Franchise Restaurant in Sanford, Florida
Founded in 1994, Soupy’s is also preparing for broader growth across Kentucky through franchising. Lesch acknowledged that earlier franchising efforts were unsuccessful but said those experiences helped refine the company’s approach. To attract owner-operators, Soupy’s has reduced entry barriers, offering a $35,000 franchise fee, a 6% royalty, and a 1% cooperative advertising fee.
Despite its expansion ambitions, Soupy’s remains a family-run business. Lesch’s son Kyle manages the Hikes Point location, while his other son, Krew, works as an employee. As the brand looks ahead, Lesch said maintaining strong family and community ties will remain central to Soupy’s identity.
What Do You Think?
Q: Would you like to see Soupy’s open a new location in your neighborhood?
Comment boxes are open for your answers.
Also Read: Gong Cha Unveils Gong Cha 2.0 with Automated Tea-Making and Store Upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is Soupy’s?
A: Soupys is a restaurant in Louisville that is run by a family. They started it in 1994. Soupys is really famous, for the soups they make from scratch the salads and the sandwiches. They make all of these things at Soupys.
Q: So I want to know where Soupys is now. Where is Soupys currently located?
A: Soupys has a place where you can drive up and get food in Hikes Point, Louisville. This place is at 3027 Hunsinger Lane. Soupys is really easy to find because it is on Hunsinger Lane, in Louisville.
Q. Is Soupy’s planning to expand again?
A: Yes. Soupy’s plans to open three new locations in the Greater Louisville area and is also exploring expansion across Kentucky.
Q. What are the franchise costs for Soupy’s?
A: The franchise fee is $35,000, with a 6% royalty fee and a 1% cooperative advertising fee.
Q: So who is, in charge of Soupys ?
A: Soupy’s remains family-operated, with founder John Lesch and his sons actively involved in daily operations.
