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Monday, April 11, 2016
Soup Up cuts back hours in Bethesda (Photos)
Soup Up Bethesda will now be closed on weekends. The restaurant opened last fall in the Peripoint Building at 5001 Wilson Lane. Normal hours will still be in effect on weekdays.
We have never had their food before, but this seems like a wise move. By being open during the week they position themselves towards a more working class sort of customer. Traditionally, those are the people who are the most enthusiastic about patronizing a soup kitchen and having to stand in line to do so.
Sad but this place never stood a chance. That building is difficult - bounded by a big intersection with heavy traffic roads, no parkinf, odd layout, high rent...
It's not the building or the location -- it's the poorly-run business. There are two other restaurants on the very same block (the Chinese restaurant and Aden pizza). Both have been around for years. You don't see them cutting back on their hours.
If a restaurant cuts back on hours like that, it means they can't earn enough to cover the marginal costs of the labor for those additional hours (rent is a fixed cost whether you're open or not). That's pitiful.
I've been predicting this place's demise since they opened. The soup idea is fine and unique in Bethesda, but it's so poorly executed. Look at their menu for the week: http://www.soupup.us/
Only 5 different soups on offer! Look at their description for the lentil soup: " A sassy dish that is amazing with basmati or jasmine rice, baked potato, or by itself."
So their soup goes well with rice or a baked potato, but they don't sell either! Why mention a good pairing if you don't even sell it? Would a typical restaurant mention their entree goes well with Wine X, then not sell that wine?
Then the menu itself. They should offer typical comfort soups people are used to: MD crab soup, clam chowder, gazpacho, french onion. Do the typical soups and do them well... but they aren't.
I gave them a try more than once, each time hoping they'd improve, but it was failure every time. Once I went and the soup had full springs of rosemary still in the soup. I'm no chef, but even I know you're supposed to remove those before you server to the customer. I was crunching away on twigs!
@7:13 My wife was commenting on that when we walked by, as we ate there and neither of us liked it. They use those awards to drum up business for the magazine. It was probably in some super-narrow category like "Best soup restaurant in Bethesda" or "Best restaurant in Peripoint building". Then, they charge businesses for a nice plaque and stickers to show off the award, and they also have a big awards dinner you have to pay to attend, and they also encourage you to buy advertising in their magazine.
It's $60/ticket to get a ticket for the awards party. Hurry up before they're all sold out! Get your hand ready to pat some backs too!
"There are two other restaurants on the very same block (the Chinese restaurant and Aden pizza). Both have been around for years."
It's not that simple. There have been restaurants in those locations for decades, but there has been turnover in ownership/type of restaurant for both. The name of the North China restaurant goes back a couple of decades, but the owner, corporate name, and cuisine changed about 9 years ago to Taiwanese cuisine. And the restaurant itself shrunk to half its original size and changed format to carryout/delivery only last year.
@7:32 I'm not sure your point. Those restaurants have been around for a while, and they are still open, including on weekends. That to me is a sign of success. Why can't Soup Up that is mere feet away, make enough revenue to also stay open on weekends?
In my experience, it's due to a limited menu, poor quality product, and pricing that is too high.
@ 7:51 AM - 7:32 AM here. I'm not challenging your analysis, just saying that those other businesses have changed through the years. Though, as you point out, they have generally done well.
I'm sorry, but what kind of an idiot would open a business in a building where every business has quickly tanked? Listen up everyone...it's a HORRIBLE location, stay away.
That space is haunted or hexed or cursed or something. The ghosts of vacuum cleaners past?
I'm a soup person. Have it several times a week. This place doesn't cut it. With a little tweaking they could have a chance, but as others have said, it needs more---1/2 sandwiches, baked potatoes, 1/2 salads. Panera, Zoe's, even Don Pollo make a good soup (cilantro-heavy though.)
7:51, North China shrinking to the point of not having a dining room and only being a window for carry out/delivery doesn't mean it's successful. I think it will be completely gone within a year. And the other one you cite is on it's 2nd or 3rd restaurant within the past 2 years. So 2 failures with the 3rd a matter of time.
Sorry to disagree folks, but I've been to Soup Up about four times, three of those with one of my kids, and we've been very satisfied each time. Unfortunately, the place has always been nearly empty when I'm there in the evenings and there do seem to be some management issues. But a soup restaurant is a hard sell, since most people don't see it as a meal, and the corner gets very little foot traffic. This place deserves more success and I hope it finds it.
And no, I'm not related to the owner, the landlord, or anyone else connected to this establishment.
@10:01 I think if they offered heartier soups (beef stew, clam chowder, etc) it would be seen more like a meal. The problem is they have a commitment to no dairy products, butter, or oil in their soups. That means a lot of popular soups are a no-go, like any chowder, cream of X, and french onion.
So they're trying to be vegan (I realize they have a few meat soups though, but mostly vegan) and offer soups which is a hard sell to begin with. Bad product mix.
There are soup places at food courts in the mall and those do perfectly fine. They also offer better soups.
I drove by at 12:30pm today -- prime lunch time, and weather is not bad today -- and there were 3 customers in the place from what I could see.
I believe Wagamama is only in Boston. It is wonderful and so delicious for a quick lunch though. A lot of great progressive things are formed in Massachusetts and make their way down to DC. Boloco, Vineyard Vines and the Kennedy family are just three examples.
@12:38 So it looks like you are correct. I am blushing. Although two things in my defense:
It is not the type of cuisine I would normally be seeking out when I am in London.
Technically you could make a case for the Kennedy Family being a product or Ireland, but I am taking a little poetic license in my post in calling them and Wagamama Bostonian products.
It's a fashionable, organic soup kitchen, with delicious bone broth (protein) and salads. Should be up the alley of fashionable people such as yourself (or your online persona,)
Wagamama was supposed to open a D.C. location about five or six years ago. Had the space, hung signs, and started the build-out, and it all came to a screeching halt before being abandoned. No reason was ever given. But it would have been a fabulous addition to the local restaurant scene.
Gusto among a dozen other crappy places. When are people going to realize that restaurants in the downtown district are pretty universally terrible and many more will fail? Shouldn't happen but it is.
Our domestic will be pleased if a new local vacuum boutique opens in this space. If the shopping experience is stylish enough, I could see myself buying her a new vacuum for every floor of the house!
I love this little building and have ever since it was redone. Talk about great use of color, space and light. It's a little jewel sitting on it's perch on that corner...I don't know just something about it is interesting and calming at the same time, it has all these doo dads jutting off of it, but it works. Kudos to the builder for not doing a tear down and for the LEED status. The proportionality is key here it actually fits in to the space perfectly.
And, no, I don't know the builder or anyone associated with the building. Gonna have to try the soup now though after everyone here was discussing it!
42 comments:
We have never had their food before, but this seems like a wise move. By being open during the week they position themselves towards a more working class sort of customer. Traditionally, those are the people who are the most enthusiastic about patronizing a soup kitchen and having to stand in line to do so.
If we had lured Boeing here, this wouldn't be happening.
@ Poppy: Maybe Dyer could do a comparison test between the soup here and the soup at Christ Lutheran Church.
Sad but this place never stood a chance. That building is difficult - bounded by a big intersection with heavy traffic roads, no parkinf, odd layout, high rent...
Hopefully we won't see some "creative adaptation" to the Steamer's site as we saw with this site and the former homeless shelter.
This sounds like it would have been an ideal business for a small space on the first floor of an office building, not where it is.
It's not the building or the location -- it's the poorly-run business. There are two other restaurants on the very same block (the Chinese restaurant and Aden pizza). Both have been around for years. You don't see them cutting back on their hours.
If a restaurant cuts back on hours like that, it means they can't earn enough to cover the marginal costs of the labor for those additional hours (rent is a fixed cost whether you're open or not). That's pitiful.
I've been predicting this place's demise since they opened. The soup idea is fine and unique in Bethesda, but it's so poorly executed. Look at their menu for the week:
http://www.soupup.us/
Only 5 different soups on offer! Look at their description for the lentil soup: " A sassy dish that is amazing with basmati or jasmine rice, baked potato, or by itself."
So their soup goes well with rice or a baked potato, but they don't sell either! Why mention a good pairing if you don't even sell it? Would a typical restaurant mention their entree goes well with Wine X, then not sell that wine?
Then the menu itself. They should offer typical comfort soups people are used to: MD crab soup, clam chowder, gazpacho, french onion. Do the typical soups and do them well... but they aren't.
I gave them a try more than once, each time hoping they'd improve, but it was failure every time. Once I went and the soup had full springs of rosemary still in the soup. I'm no chef, but even I know you're supposed to remove those before you server to the customer. I was crunching away on twigs!
With your negative review, how'd they get the Bethesda Magazine Editor's Choice Award that's in their window above?
Or is the Award simply given to top advertisers in the Mag?
7:13 AM - Why don't you go over there and ask them, Dyer-relative?
Another one bites the dust. This place didn't have a chance.
@7:13 My wife was commenting on that when we walked by, as we ate there and neither of us liked it. They use those awards to drum up business for the magazine. It was probably in some super-narrow category like "Best soup restaurant in Bethesda" or "Best restaurant in Peripoint building". Then, they charge businesses for a nice plaque and stickers to show off the award, and they also have a big awards dinner you have to pay to attend, and they also encourage you to buy advertising in their magazine.
It's $60/ticket to get a ticket for the awards party. Hurry up before they're all sold out! Get your hand ready to pat some backs too!
"There are two other restaurants on the very same block (the Chinese restaurant and Aden pizza). Both have been around for years."
It's not that simple. There have been restaurants in those locations for decades, but there has been turnover in ownership/type of restaurant for both. The name of the North China restaurant goes back a couple of decades, but the owner, corporate name, and cuisine changed about 9 years ago to Taiwanese cuisine. And the restaurant itself shrunk to half its original size and changed format to carryout/delivery only last year.
@7:32 I'm not sure your point. Those restaurants have been around for a while, and they are still open, including on weekends. That to me is a sign of success. Why can't Soup Up that is mere feet away, make enough revenue to also stay open on weekends?
In my experience, it's due to a limited menu, poor quality product, and pricing that is too high.
@ 7:51 AM - 7:32 AM here. I'm not challenging your analysis, just saying that those other businesses have changed through the years. Though, as you point out, they have generally done well.
I'm sorry, but what kind of an idiot would open a business in a building where every business has quickly tanked? Listen up everyone...it's a HORRIBLE location, stay away.
That space is haunted or hexed or cursed or something. The ghosts of vacuum cleaners past?
I'm a soup person. Have it several times a week. This place doesn't cut it. With a little tweaking they could have a chance, but as others have said, it needs more---1/2 sandwiches, baked potatoes, 1/2 salads. Panera, Zoe's, even Don Pollo make a good soup (cilantro-heavy though.)
7:51, North China shrinking to the point of not having a dining room and only being a window for carry out/delivery doesn't mean it's successful. I think it will be completely gone within a year. And the other one you cite is on it's 2nd or 3rd restaurant within the past 2 years. So 2 failures with the 3rd a matter of time.
North China probably has a much lower rent too.
Sorry to disagree folks, but I've been to Soup Up about four times, three of those with one of my kids, and we've been very satisfied each time. Unfortunately, the place has always been nearly empty when I'm there in the evenings and there do seem to be some management issues. But a soup restaurant is a hard sell, since most people don't see it as a meal, and the corner gets very little foot traffic. This place deserves more success and I hope it finds it.
And no, I'm not related to the owner, the landlord, or anyone else connected to this establishment.
@10:01 I think if they offered heartier soups (beef stew, clam chowder, etc) it would be seen more like a meal. The problem is they have a commitment to no dairy products, butter, or oil in their soups. That means a lot of popular soups are a no-go, like any chowder, cream of X, and french onion.
So they're trying to be vegan (I realize they have a few meat soups though, but mostly vegan) and offer soups which is a hard sell to begin with. Bad product mix.
There are soup places at food courts in the mall and those do perfectly fine. They also offer better soups.
I drove by at 12:30pm today -- prime lunch time, and weather is not bad today -- and there were 3 customers in the place from what I could see.
They should add some varieties of ramen to their menu. I went to a ramen chain (Wagamama) and there were lines out the door.
Where is there a Wagamama around here? Been to one in MA, and it's way more than just a ramen place. :)
I believe Wagamama is only in Boston. It is wonderful and so delicious for a quick lunch though. A lot of great progressive things are formed in Massachusetts and make their way down to DC. Boloco, Vineyard Vines and the Kennedy family are just three examples.
Wagamana formed in Boston? It's a London-based chain. There are hundreds of them.
@12:38 So it looks like you are correct. I am blushing. Although two things in my defense:
It is not the type of cuisine I would normally be seeking out when I am in London.
Technically you could make a case for the Kennedy Family being a product or Ireland, but I am taking a little poetic license in my post in calling them and Wagamama Bostonian products.
But either way thank you for the correction.
That's code for out of business. Told you so here and elsewhere. Dead on arrival. Horrible concept and worse location.
It's a fashionable, organic soup kitchen, with delicious bone broth (protein) and salads. Should be up the alley of fashionable people such as yourself (or your online persona,)
Agreed. I've tried and the food was delicious, but pricey for what it was.
The Dyer-relative line is already past its sell-by date. Not happening. Ever.
Ok so we know this restaurant will be bankrupt by the end of the year. Who's next? My money is on Gusto Italian Grill.
Wagamama was supposed to open a D.C. location about five or six years ago. Had the space, hung signs, and started the build-out, and it all came to a screeching halt before being abandoned. No reason was ever given. But it would have been a fabulous addition to the local restaurant scene.
Gusto among a dozen other crappy places. When are people going to realize that restaurants in the downtown district are pretty universally terrible and many more will fail? Shouldn't happen but it is.
Once this place vacates I want to open a vacuum shop!
5:17 - Thanks. Was pretty sure I hadn't missed one opening locally. Wonder why they bailed. Shame. It would be a good fit for the area.
Now that's funny
That building would be perfect for a vacuum cleaner store.
Our domestic will be pleased if a new local vacuum boutique opens in this space. If the shopping experience is stylish enough, I could see myself buying her a new vacuum for every floor of the house!
Poppy, please go back to your own fiction. You are the antithesis of progressive.
I love this little building and have ever since it was redone. Talk about great use of color, space and light. It's a little jewel sitting on it's perch on that corner...I don't know just something about it is interesting and calming at the same time, it has all these doo dads jutting off of it, but it works. Kudos to the builder for not doing a tear down and for the LEED status. The proportionality is key here it actually fits in to the space perfectly.
And, no, I don't know the builder or anyone associated with the building. Gonna have to try the soup now though after everyone here was discussing it!
Better get the soup while you can. They'll be a lease sign on that door before summer ends.
4:56: Why do you care whether there's a lease there or not?
Lease sign on the door means Soup Up is Soup Out. I'm I missing something?
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