Souper Salad

Souper Salad is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its self-serve salad bars, soups, baked potatoes, and fresh bread, offering guests a customizable dining experience centered around fresh ingredients. The company began in Houston, Texas in 1978, when it introduced an affordable buffet-style concept that quickly resonated with local diners. Over the following decades, Souper Salad expanded across the Southwest and South, reaching more than 150 locations at its peak in the early 2000s.

After facing industry headwinds and a bankruptcy in 2011, Souper Salad was acquired by LNC Ventures in 2012. This change in ownership marked a turning point, as the company refocused its strategy and consolidated to strengthen its core business. In recent years, Souper Salad has shifted toward measured growth, prioritizing suburban and secondary markets with strong daytime populations. As of November 2025, the brand operates 17 locations across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, with a mix of company-owned and franchised stores.

The past five years have seen renewed expansion, highlighted by new openings in 2024 and 2025. Souper Salad continues to seek opportunities in the Southwest, favoring endcap and inline spaces within neighborhood shopping centers. The brand’s flexible format and approachable menu make it a reliable anchor for retail environments, consistently drawing lunch and dinner traffic. Souper Salad’s steady presence and willingness to partner with landlords on both company-owned and franchised sites reflect its commitment to sustainable growth and adaptability in a changing marketplace.