How Daryl Hunter Spearheaded Zoup!’s First Location in Canada

Daryl Hunter spent decades working as a software consultant after realizing he was ready for a change. The job demanded constant travel, and Hunter was eager for a career and lifestyle that would allow him to spend more time with his family.

“I loved my previous career as a software consultant, but I hated the travel,” said Hunter. “My wife and I always had that entrepreneurial spirit and we knew it was time to look for something a little closer to home. That’s when we started the process of researching our options.”

The “process” began when Hunter attended a franchise show in London, Ontario. He recalls being completely overwhelmed after walking into the convention and seeing the number of different franchise concepts to choose from. Also exhibiting at this show was Dave Broughton, a  franchise consultant with FranNet Southwestern Ontario. Broughton works with individuals considering business ownership to match them with a franchise business.

“Dave’s booth was the last one I visited that day,” said Hunter. “And it was a nice change from the typical ‘sales’ approach I had been experiencing.”

Hunter was particularly interested in franchising because of the added security a franchise is able to provide by way of established systems and procedures. He saw a parallel between his previous career of installing systems in different places to now taking a proven franchise system and establishing it in a new market. He decided to meet with Broughton to learn more about the different franchise options available to him.

After working together to help identify Hunter’s goals and skillsets, Broughton introduced a few franchise concepts that he considered a good fit. One of those concepts was Zoup!, and Hunter was drawn to the company right away.

“I loved the idea of entering the booming fast-casual industry. But even more than that, I loved the role that Zoup! was playing in the space. Its business’ operational hours were in line with what I was looking for. And I enjoyed the corporate culture and the genuine story behind its soups,” Hunter said. “I wanted a unique opportunity—one with growth potential. I found that with Zoup!”

This was back in 2011, and at that time, the franchise had yet to come to Canada from the U.S., where it currently has nearly 100 locations. So when Hunter opened his first location in Waterloo, Ontario in June 2011, he officially became the franchise’s first franchisee in Canada. Just eight days after opening, Hunter and his wife welcomed triplets into the family. They both credit the brand’s support system for making such a hectic time as seamless as possible.

Two years later, in 2013, he opened a second store in Kitchener, and then a third in London, Ontario. That same year, he was awarded the “Passion for the Brand” award at the annual Zoup! Franchise Reunion. He believes that a lot of his growth over the years is due, in large part, to the brand’s unparalleled soup, salads and sandwiches.

“Our food is incredible. Fast-Casual dining is still fairly new in Canada, and the cold climate makes Zoup! a really good fit,” Hunter said.  “I think the intangible qualities of soup  are so appealing, too. Just the thought of soup conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort and well-being. And I’m so excited that I’ve had the chance to bring that to Canada.”