Maria Chen
Founder & CEOMaria's vision of honest, wholesome food sparked the Zupas story. With a background in culinary arts and a passion for community, she still visits every kitchen weekly.
Our Story
Real Food, Real People — Welcome to Zupas
Zupas is more than a cafe — it's a community built around wholesome, honestly made food. From scratch-made soups to vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches, every dish at Zupas reflects our commitment to quality, freshness, and the belief that eating well should feel good. Discover the cafe zupas difference today.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Purpose
Everything we do at Zupas starts with a simple belief: food made with real ingredients and genuine care tastes better and makes people feel better.
Farm-Fresh Sourcing
We partner with local and regional farms to source the freshest seasonal produce, proteins, and dairy. What goes in your bowl matters deeply to us, from field to fork.
Made With Care
Every soup is simmered, every salad is tossed, and every sandwich is assembled by people who take genuine pride in their craft. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Community First
Zupas was built on the idea that a great meal brings people together. We're proud to be a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors in our community.
Sustainable Practices
We minimize waste, use compostable packaging, and make environmentally responsible choices because we believe good food and good stewardship go hand in hand.
Uncompromising Quality
Quality is non-negotiable. From the broths we slow-cook overnight to the artisan breads baked fresh daily, our standards are reflected in every single bite.
Joyful Experience
We want every visit to Zupas to feel welcoming and uplifting. From our warm team members to our bright, inviting spaces, joy is baked into everything we do.
2009
Founded
3
Locations
60+
Team Members
Our Story
From a Small Kitchen to a Beloved Cafe Zupas
Zupas started with a single pot of homemade soup and a dream. In 2009, founder Maria Chen opened a tiny cafe on a quiet street in Bloomingdale, Illinois, with one mission: to give her neighborhood a place to eat food that felt like it came from a family kitchen.
Word spread quickly. Regulars came for the tomato bisque, stayed for the hearty turkey avocado sandwiches, and kept returning for the sense of warmth they felt every time they walked through the door. Within two years, the original location couldn't keep up with demand.
Today, Zupas serves thousands of guests every week across multiple locations in the United States. But despite our growth, we've never wavered from what made us special — real ingredients, scratch-made recipes, and a genuine love for the people we serve.
What We Stand For
Our Values Guide Every Decision
At Zupas, our values aren't words on a wall — they're the lens through which we hire, cook, source, and serve. Every plate that leaves our kitchen reflects these commitments.
Honesty & Transparency
We list every ingredient and never hide behind vague labels. You deserve to know exactly what you're eating, and we're proud to tell you.
Respect for People
Whether you're a guest, a supplier, or a team member, every person who interacts with Zupas is treated with dignity, warmth, and genuine appreciation.
Excellence Without Ego
We pursue excellence every day while staying humble. We celebrate our team's wins, learn from our mistakes, and always look for ways to do better.
Environmental Stewardship
From reducing food waste to choosing eco-friendly packaging, we take our responsibility to the planet as seriously as we take our recipes.
Our Journey
The Zupas Story Through the Years
From a single soup pot to a thriving multi-location cafe, here's how Zupas grew from a dream into a community institution.
2009
The First Bowl
Maria Chen opens the first Zupas location on Gary Ave in Bloomingdale, Illinois, with a menu of five soups, three salads, and two sandwiches. On opening day, she sells out by noon.
2011
Growing the Kitchen
Following overwhelming community support, Zupas expands its kitchen and hires its first full kitchen team. The menu grows to over 40 items, including seasonal specials and housemade desserts.
2014
Second Location Opens
Zupas opens its second cafe location, bringing the same scratch-made recipes and warm hospitality to a new neighborhood. The catering program launches and immediately proves popular for corporate events.
2017
Farm Partnership Program
Zupas formalizes partnerships with six local farms, ensuring a steady supply of seasonal, pesticide-free produce. The sustainability initiative earns Zupas a recognition from the Illinois Restaurant Association.
2020
Adapting & Thriving
During a challenging year for the industry, Zupas launches online ordering, curbside pickup, and family meal bundles. The community rallies around the brand, making 2020 one of the most meaningful years in Zupas' history.
2023
Third Location & New Menu
A third Zupas location opens its doors with an expanded menu featuring plant-based options, a cold brew coffee bar, and a dedicated kids' section. Zupas serves its 50,000th guest.
Today
Still Growing, Still Grateful
Zupas continues to serve United States communities with the same passion and purpose that sparked it all — one honest, delicious meal at a time. The best chapters are still ahead.
The People Behind the Food
Meet the Zupas Team
Our team is the heart of everything we do. These passionate, dedicated individuals bring Zupas to life every single day with skill, creativity, and a whole lot of love for food.
James Rivera
Head ChefWith 18 years in professional kitchens across the US and Europe, James crafts every Zupas recipe with precision, creativity, and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients.
Priya Patel
Operations DirectorPriya ensures every Zupas location runs like a well-oiled machine. Her meticulous eye for quality control and team development has shaped the Zupas experience from the inside out.
David Kim
Sustainability LeadDavid oversees Zupas' farm partnerships, waste reduction programs, and eco-packaging initiatives. His work ensures that doing good for people also means doing right by the planet.
Interested in joining the Zupas family? We're always looking for passionate people.
View Open PositionsReady to Taste the Zupas Difference?
Fresh soups, vibrant salads, and hearty sandwiches — all made from scratch with ingredients you can feel good about. Come visit us or order online today.