Happy July everyone!
There are a lot of changes on the horizon and it seems that change can come with lots of RUMORS! So I thought I’d reach out personally and give you the SKINNY on what’s next from the land of healthy eating!
DECATUR
You may have heard that we will not be renewing our lease at our adorable downtown Decatur shop. This is true. Let me just emphasize, that WE LOVE DECATUR! I hand picked that spot because I was drawn to the feeling of community there and I felt it was a great match for our healthy and delicious food. Our new landlords are great and our rent has been reasonable for the area, so that is not the issue. What I have learned, is that for our particular model of business, I really need parking and the parking situation in Decatur has become increasingly more difficult in the past five years.
That being said, WE ARE LOOKING! Our lease is up at the end of January and that our plan is to move our Decatur location a little bit further away from the Decatur Square. We hope to find a perfect place with free parking for our guests. Know of a spot? Let me know! And I will be cooking in Decatur ALL THIS WEEK if you want to swing by to say hello, ask questions or offer feedback!
ROSWELL
It is no longer a secret that we will be opening a new Souper Jenny in Roswell in late October/early November! We have found a great location with TONS of free parking and I am over the moon about bringing great soups, salads and sandwiches to the community. It’s going to be an interesting fall since I will also be performing in a one woman play, “I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti” by Giulia Melucci at the exact same time! Oy. The show will be up at Georgia Ensemble Theatre (also in Roswell) directed by the incomparable Rachel May.
People often ask me, what is the future of Souper Jenny? Will I franchise? What is my goal, etc?
I have no desire to have a hundred locations and a hundred headaches. I love being right here in my hometown where my family is. I admit, this could change in 20 years if I’m feeling too creaky to take out the trash, but for now, I’m good.
My goal is exactly the same as it was the first day we opened, 19 years ago in our tiny shop in Buckhead. I wanted to be part of the community and nourish our guests just like they were family, through food and hospitality. I want every staff member from dishwasher to chef to feel that they are a part of something bigger than just sliding a bowl of soup across the counter.
In this day and age, it is harder and harder to find good, old fashioned hospitality and service. I believe there isn’t a better way to connect with our fellow humans. It's something that is sorely needed right now.
As for what’s next?
I would love to get into the Atlanta airport because I do think healthy food options are scarce when traveling. I have also grown particularly fond of the beaches of 30A down in Florida, so you never know where we might pop up!
Until then, I hope to see you soon! And as always, feel free to reach out at any time.
Jenny