Enjoying the Holidays!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are at home with our family once again! "The Soup King" is working as usual.....I'm not really sure what the specials are this week, we have been playing way too much up here in PA. The weather is great, a nice 55 to 60 degrees. I like it nice and cool. The little ones are enjoying their cousins and friends that they miss so much. We had planned to venture back to the Sunshine State in time for New Year's Eve but the little ones would like just a few more days with their friends and family. We had hoped that "The Soup King" would join us for Christmas Day but the hustle and bustle of the season and stress at the airports kept him in his happy place. We missed him!

Sounds like the store is getting along just fine without me so I guess this means that I don't have to be there very often!!!! There are some who love that idea(hee-hee). The season has slowed us down just a bit, especially before we left for our journey. I am sure things will pick up after the first of the year. So from all of us at "The Soup King" to all of you we wish you the best of the holidays and a very Happy New Year!

Let's Be Nice.....

"The Soup King" was not happy with the review he received and has called the critic out....The editor and critic of the Creative Loafing have not taken to kindly to his actions. They have made statements that we are "Crying Foul" and not hearing constructive criticism. The bottom line is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will accept all of the info and opinions that I receive from our repeat guests. We have many individuals who visit us at least three times a week and offer wonderful compliments. Even when a guest will make a suggestion about things we do take them to heart and try to adjust if necessary. I am not a judgemental individual but this critic was just not nice! I hope that "The Soup King" just lets go of his silly statements and continues to make great soups for all to enjoy. When the critic takes a risk as big as "The Soup King" has with his new beginning then we can compare notes! If you want to voice your opinion feel free to go to http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/the941/2008/12/12/the-concept-behind-the-soup-king-is-a-winner-the-soup-less-so/

Now that I am done with that issue......Today was busy again...I am prepping for another trip back home with all of the little ones for the holidays. We can't wait to see Bubba and Trixie, (the puppies we delivered at Turkey day), and of course the rest of my family. Christmas is approaching quickly and we are still unprepared.

Drama in the kitchen of course happens all of the time. We have it a few bumps in the road but worked them out relatively fast. Too many women in one kitchen never makes for a good batch....If we could just tell all! The new guy,"Muscle Guy" is working out great and it looks like he will be running the show once "The Soup King" makes his move to a second location. It feels so good to find someone that you can trust, depend on, and even enjoy their company! I think we will keep him! The little ones agree, they want to adopt him!

The Asian Shrimp is moving quickly so if you want a taste you need to shake a tail feather and get here fast! Our city men loved the Zesty Navy Bean too! Come on.....you know you want to try something different!

What in the World??????

"The Soup King" is still moving forward on a positive note even after letting one of our team members go. Unfortunately our delivery person was not working out. On top of that we have received our first formal review this week from the Creative Loafing. The gentleman who printed the review was not kind to our new establishment. He offered many negative comments about our soups without any truth. I would like to know if the gentleman actually ate multiple meals or just based his opinions on samples......I am not sure of his protocol but I do not feel that he was fair in his many statements. The best part about the whole thing is that the Creative Loafing still wanted us to advertise in their paper....No Thank You! We will try the Harold Tribune. Maybe they will be a little nicer to their patrons.

We did receive some great information from one of our repeat guests....A realtor who visits us frequently told us that she mentioned us in her monthly news letter. She wanted everyone to know that if they had not stopped in to visit us yet they were missing out on something great!!!! Thank you to our Remax Alliance 2000 Agent!

"The Soup King" has created a wonderful special this week, Asian Shrimp with Rice Noodles. It smells yummy and looks yummy!!!!!! He has also created a "Zesty" Navy Bean Soup with Bacon. The Boy loved it!!!!! So come on in and give them both a try!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see you....

"The Soup King" is Away and We Will Play!!

So "The Soup King" left us on Sunday to take care of work in Philadelphia......The day was reasonable for the most part. The boy had soccer and then ended up at the store all day! He was not a happy camper.

The day moved along well with a steady flow. The new staff is working out well. Out "Muscle Guy" offers great insight and is ready to run the show for when "The Soup King" moves on to the next location.

We have also added two new young faces to our team. They offer a great sense of energy and greet you with a smile. Let's hope they enjoy their time with us and stay on!!!!

Our special this week is Chicken Corn Chowder. It seems to be going over very well. I think that Pasta Fagoli maybe next. We have had multiple requests for that one. Watch and see....

Vacation is over!

Well, we have returned and are back to work right away...Baking began first thing this morning! ow the task is to make the changes with the register since "The Soup King" made some changes to his menu. Yes! Broccoli and Cheddar has arrived as our new regular. The requests were so great that "The Soup King" could not let his guests go unanswered. Keep the requests coming so we can keep you guessing.

The little ones are a little worried about returning to work just because they enjoyed their break and are counting down to the next one! The two very little ones are excited to decorate for the holidays! They had a great time decorating Grandpop's house! By the weekend all will get to enjoy their festive nature. Til the next note!!!! Keep warm and healthy!

Turkey Day!

Hope everyone enjoyed their "Turkey Day Feast". We had a blast being with our family and playing games together...We have received some great comments and we appreciate the feed back, so thank you. Remember we want to hear everything, yes the good stuff is great but if there is something that you were not happy with please let us know. "The Soup King" wants everyone to feel good when they leave our home away from home.

The little ones and I will be venturing back on Monday from Pennsylvania. I am finally bringing my portraits with me to hang in the store. "The Soup King" would prefer to keep them at home but they are so beautiful I want to share them with everyone!! Besides, that is where I spend most of my time now so I should get to enjoy my portraits, don't you think?

The web site is up and running but not complete. We should have everything functional within a few weeks. Stay tuned for the next set of news!!!!!

The New Photo

Ok, so don't mind the photo down below!!! I am not a very good photographer....The oldest of the little ones will fix that in the morning!!!!

Saturday, 11-5????

Well we were suppose to close at 5pm today. Not likely!!! "The Soup King" was open til at least 7:30pm.(Well, that's close to when I left with all of the little ones!) I was out and about with soccer and voice performances today so I did not hit the store til 4pm or so......,Dishes were piled everywhere! Another busy day? "The Soup King" was a little taken back by how steady it was. So, by 7:30 he was still serving people. A nurse from the hospital came in to pick up food for her unit for the night shift. I can see us open all night before we get done!!!!!!

The second batch of Chili is just about done, yet another broth is on its way, and he his still working!!!!!! Broccoli and Cheddar will be added to the menu after Turkey Day if i forgot to mention it before....Of course baking occurs every night!!!!! Cookies, brownies, rice pudding, more cookies! At least I stopped eating the cookies. Maybe I will get skinny now.

Sunday brings the adventure of picking up four puppies to take back to PA with us on Tuesday....yes, all four of them. I will not be at the store very long anyway, lots of baking before I leave....in addition to all of that fun stuff I need to make a strawberry cake with strawberry icing for "The Soup King" because his birthday is Monday. What an odd cake!!!!! But he likes it. I do have to say that I feel bad leaving him with the store since we have only been up and running for two weeks. I just miss my family so much!

It is 11:30 and "The Soup King" is still cookin'. I am done my baking for the evening but am still working on the wash. With CCD, church, and the whole puppy thing going on tomorrow, I am ready for bed! I will keep you posted and let you know what our hours will be if "The Soup King" settles for a specific closing time!!!!! See everyone tomorrow!

The New System....

So "The Soup King" implimented the new serving system today and it seemed to go pretty well. We hired someone to help behind the counter and our new delivery guy starts on Monday. Things should move quickly then.

So I was asked why we didn't pick "The Soup Nazzi" as our name. Well, "The Soup King" never knew about "The Soup Nazzi" until his trademark attorney sent him a link to watch the episode. Besides, he likes to be original. Did I mention that he does not like to conform???? I guess we need to give a little more detail about "The Soup King" and how he got here......I will have to think about the details and fill everyone on the next entry.

The swoups are moving quickly! The New England Clam Chowder just goes out as fast as we get it ready!!!!! Potato and ham is still my favorite...Come on, yo know that you want to come in and try some of our yummy soups!

Holy People!!!!!!!

Holy people! Where did they come from? How did they know? Can we please them all? Sooner or later we will know!

I have to say that "The Soup King" needs to not leave the building! It was just amazing today. People were lined up every where. The phone was ringing off the hook....I never got to my fax, so sorry!!!! Tomorrow is a new day! Most people were patient because they could see that we were taken by storm. Of course there is always one or two who are not so nice. I take it personally. I guess that is something that I have to learn to get over and get over it quickly!

So it started out relatively reasonable, then "The Soup King" went MIA with deliveries and everyone just came in!!!!! The line was out the door and everyone wanted soup now! How do you do "soup now!" for fifty plus people? Everyone wanted something different bread and more bread! Oh my!!!! And during this chaotic episode my eye swells up like someone punched me in the face! What else could possibly go wrong? Well, let me tell you! Deliveries, he is not here yet, "I am not happy" So free lunch it is...All I can say people, is "learning curve!" So, we now have a system implemented for tomorrow so hopefully everyone comes again. We will serve you with style and order....

Now the question is how much soup do we have in stock since we haven't been able to cook for two days???? Who knew that so many people would want soup! We all just need to take a breath and move forward! Can we fast forward so I can go to PA just so I can get some sleep?????(hee-hee)

Off to bake again! Stop in for some interesting events at your neighborly "Soup King", where we are serious about our soup but not our art!

Yes We Are Open.....

Yes we are open and ready to serve. When I say we are still working on our "soft opening" that is because our merchandiser is still MIA! Plus we still have a few kinks to workout behind the counter. We are getting there!

So "The Soup King" is ready to present his Lentil soup....He has lots of different things in the works. I have never seen him so excited about anything like this before!!!! The more he talks to people that come in about soups, the more he thinks about what he can do with a simple soup! Just wait and see what the holidays bring...

What To Do????

So we are a working family now. We all get up early(except "The Soup King"). The little ones go to school and the adults go to "The Soup King". The little ones come home from school and go to "The Soup King". Everyone does everything. We all work together. In fact, they even argue over who is going to get to do what job for the day. No one has really complained, except one. Our 13 year old boy is not happy about this working thing......"Is this all we are going to do now", the boy asks. Mother responds, "Why yes, son. This is what it is like to be an adult, you work almost everyday." The boy is not happy. I guess he falls into that stereo type for today's generation of "give me what I want but don't make me work for it." Well, he is in for a lot of surprises! "The Soup King" wants all of his little ones to know and experience what "hard work" is, it will help them appreciate life around them. Trust me, we don't always like coming home smelling like soup but it really isn't that bad. We meet new people, we learn new things, its fun. Well it is if you make it fun. I think it should be that way with any job. It is what you make it.

I do have to say that after all the baking and running I am looking forward to my journey home for Turkey Day! We are venturing home with five dogs and four children. I am delivering puppies to my nephew who has asked for a dog since the age of three! His mother has finally won that battle! The other puppies are for a friend and of course we have our own precious "Dollar" to travel with us. We are not sure if the cat is up for the trip yet. "The Soup King" is not happy about my scheduled departure. He will remain in Sarasota with "The Boy", working and turning out more soups. "Grammy" (The Soup King's" mother will be here with them to help work and to help celebrate Turkey Day. They should be just fine! Besides, I miss my "Daddy" and the rest of my family!!!

Back to the soups! "The Soup King" will be making his Lentil soup for this weeks special! Should be yummy! Remember to ask for a taste of everything we have to offer, then again it might make your choice a little harder! Please keep the suggestion coming for soups that you would like to taste. We love trying something new.

Monday brings the beginning of our second week and i am eager to see what we will encounter! I'm sure it will be a lot of smiling faces and full bellies! I will keep you posted!

What About the Sign?

Well, the "Grand Opening" sign did not make it out front yet. We are still waiting for a a few necessary items to make our store complete. Today brought some interesting statements from our guests. One was a very nice suggestion to help us along, which we welcome with open arms. Two were not so nice, and I was not sure how to react. I would like to stress that "The Soup King" is interested in making sure that everyone is satisfied, and if there are any issues please let us know so we can correct whatever that issue may be. We are utilizing our learning curve over the next few weeks, please be patient and remember we are new to the restaurant business! "The Soup King" would really like to rise above just the average take out place. We are trying to provide a service and a quality of food that "The Soup King" would expect himself. With a little more experience and time under our belts we hope to achieve just that.

"The Soup King" Has Arrived!!!!

Let's just say that we are ready to go! All of "The Soup King's" soups are ready. We still have a few little things that are lingering but by next week we will be on a roll! Today was impressive. I was surprised at the rush since we have yet to hang our "Grand Opening" sign!

The family is a little tired, well, me and a few little ones. Everyone else is eager to move forward and to see what is ahead for "The Soup King". Let's see how a Saturday goes!!!!!

So, come on in. You can sample all of our soups before you make your choice.....I am torn between the New England Clam Chowder abd the Potato and Ham! Of course the Chili Rocks! So, look for us, we will be waiting to meet you! See you soon!

So Close.....

"The Soup King" is only two soups away from completing the menu! The New England Clam Chowder will be ready for Thursday and so is the Classic Chicken Noodle!!!!! "The Soup King" had many rave reviews over his soups, we like to hear what you have to say.....Everyone is working hard chopping and dicing so that we can make "The Soup King's" deadline. I just wish the weather would cool down!!!! Sticky hot is not for me!

We are definitely learning things as we go along, like potatoes are slippery little suckers when wet and peeling! I feel like I have learned to juggle fresh veggies. Who knew I would pick up such skills!

"The Soup King" is still handling all of his other business responsiblities....I just hope he isn't planning any travels any time soon!!! He really needs to be around to make things flow. After all, he is "The King"!

I will say that "The Soup King" is thrilled to finally unlock his doors! He just wants everyone to have soup and to fall in love with it! He is just having a great time making all of his broths, telling everyone about them and how they are all fresh and his very own! "Not bagged or processed" he told one customer, "we chop our veggies here!". He is very proud of that. He loves his food and really enjoys a well prepared meal, so he wants that for everyone that walks through his door. "I wouldn't expect anyone to accept less than I do", so know you will get the best!


Well, off to bake the fresh deserts! I see and smell chocolate chip cookies in me sleep. I guess that is a good thing!

More Soups and More Soups!!! They Just Keep Coming!

So the Chili was great today, but the Potato and Ham Soup was out of this world!!!! Just incredible. Wednesday will bring "The Soup King's" Tomato Basil and a kick butt Vegetarian Vegetable Soup. By Friday we will be ready to please all the taste buds that walk through our door. The breads are in the Italian cookies are on their way! Get ready...."The Soup King" is coming!!!!!!

Oh My!!!!!!

Well, a soft opening it is! "The Soup King" is working hard at pumping out his soups...the only problem we have is that his sense of smell is a little off so today we had "Spicy Chicken Soup"....You know, "The King's COLD Kickin' Chicken soup". We are definitely doing everything as a trial by fire. Hopefully everyone will be patient with us as we work out some kinks and get into the swing of things. It looks as though we will celebrate our "Grand Opening" this Friday. At least tomorrow we will have Chili, Potato and Ham, and Spicy Chicken soup to serve. Of course the desserts are done! The rice pudding just needs a little more sugar for my taste! Tomorrow should bring more interesting events!!!!Maybe by the opening we will have a good protocol to follow for the store. "The Soup King" has never been one for a plan so I guess I will just have to wait and see how intends to perfect his methods.

All of the little ones are having a blast! Everyone wants a job, mostly to work the cash register, NOT HAPPENING!!!!! "The Soup King's" mom is working hard in the kitchen with everyone! I think she is having fun....She was given a title today as Kitchen Manager! Better her than me!!!!! I am counting down to my trip home for turkey day!!!! Of course "The Soup King" would prefer us here!

We Can Open!

So, things have been crazy! I was able to go home and visit my family which I miss again desperately! We now have the entire place ready for service! The counter tops look great, sneeze guards are in, kettles are in, our chalk boards look really cool, now we are just waiting on our merchandiser. The state was out and gave us the go ahead today! We are cookin' now! We are making our Southwestern Black Bean Soup along with yummy cookies and brownies for a local soccer club to help with their fundraiser. So this will be our first "public appearance", and I am really excited..."The Soup King", well he just wants to get to his cooking! He has waited a long time to get to this point. It looks like we will have a soft opening on November 10Th and our "Grand Opening" on November 17Th. Our shirts and hats look really cool. "The Soup King" has already come up with a great idea for his next set of shirts! All of the little ones can't wait to get their job assignments. The funniest part about this whole adventure is that the youngest of the group wants to take care of everything, cooking, cleaning, counter service...you name it, he wants to do it! I hope that everyone will come and join us on this fun ride in our lives! "The Soup King" always says, "live for today, tomorrow was never promised to you!", so here we go!

We are almost there!

Well, it has been some time since I have had a chance to sit down let alone blog something new!!! "The Soup King" has been very busy. Paint is on the walls! Who knew that I would get all of this new experience in a variety of fields! The tile floors look beautiful as well. The gentlemen who put the floors in did a great job. "The Soup King" picked out cool shirts for everyone to wear including our new guests!! (just some of our surprises for the Grand Opening!!) We are waiting for all of the large equipment to arrive so we can really get cookin'!

We also ventured out to a food show in Tampa two weeks ago and WOW! There is so much info out there and so many different ways to go in the food industry! Unfortunately we did not have the entire day to spend tasting and talking with all of the vendors, the little ones were done school so we had to go.

I am excited to say that I think we are going green with our paper goods! We have tried so many products....Some too hot to hold, some pop open when dropped, and some with lids that just would not seal properly! "The Soup King" wants everyone to get home or where ever they need to be with their soup warm and ready to enjoy!

And The Work Goes On!

Well, things are moving along swiftly these days. Last Thursday we met with a supplier for breads. Nothing beats having fresh baked brick oven Italian breads to complete your homemade soup! The little ones demolished all of the samples that they left with us...who knew that they liked bread so much. The electricians have completed their work and the inspection has been done...Dry wall, well I am off the hook because I left town for the week! Besides the subs are basically done. The counter tops have been chosen and "The Soup King" is happy with the pricing so the template will be done tomorrow.

The menu is under construction and waiting for the right touch to really draw you in and make you want the soup now! "The Soup King", as I have said in the past, is very picky and only accepts perfection so I can not conquer the menu until I am in the right mood for writing! He just doesn't get it!

If all goes according to plan we are looking at an October 1st for our "soft opening". Remember, a working progress! "The Soup King" and I have plans for a great "Grand Opening" celebration.

During all of this work "The Soup King" has been left with the five little ones for the first time ever in fifteen years! And I think that is really funny! Running from one activity to the next, homework, and transporting everyone back and forth for school. It sounds like he is doing an okay job but the little ones are anxiously await my return this weekend! I miss them desperately! Of course I cannot deny that I am having fun visiting with everyone in my family...running from one soccer game to the next, bouncing babies and playing with nieces and nephews! Leaving again will be hard!

The Work is Underway!

So "The Soup King" has begun the next phase of construction for the store. Framing is not on my list of things to do!!!! He is on his own for that phase. Call me when I can shop for things for the store! Drywalling is next and I have already been informed that this will be a team project. Oh my! I think that "The Soup King" just wants to see what I can do so he doesn't have to support me any more.

We have also met with a food distributor sales rep which just did not seal the deal! "The Soup King" was not impressed with his presentation and half way through the meeting just stopped paying attention all together!! So needless to say we called his competitor and we have set up our account. It's all about presentation, says "The Soup King". He is the boss so what ever works!

On a personal note all of the little people are adjusting well to their new environment but mom is homesick! There has been a new baby back home and birthdays, it just is not fun missing everyone! I come from a very close family and do not handle change well on a good day, let alone 1200 miles away! So mom is taking a trip home alone, leaving all of the little people with "The Soup King" for the first time ever! Wish them luck!

FABULOUS!!!!

So not only did the "The Soup King" make a fabulous chicken noodle soup but he made an amazing split pea soup with ham! It was unbelievable. Now if we could just get all of the little people that we live with to like soup! We can't even get half of them to taste the soups!!! So it was soup for dinner that night!

Today I was roped into laying concrete with "The Soup King". I told him that the only labor that I should have to perform was in the delivery room! It worked out though! It proved that I am definitely out of shape and need a personal trainer!!! Maybe "The Soup King" will see fit to get me one for a job well done. Now that the plumbers are done their work we can move on to framing and setting up the electricians. We are looking at a four week window!!! "The Soup King" would like to be up and running by September 29th! I guess we can start the count down!

It smells great!

Today brought about paperwork, phone calls, and banking. Not much fun in my opinion.
I really want to get started on my homemade Key Lime Pie but I had to pretend to be "The Soup King's" assistant. After running around to gather all of the children the big soup pot made its way to the stove. The broth is simmering and smells wonderful! The key will be how he finishes off the chicken noodle soup. What will make it the best? Only "The Soup King" will know what little things he did to make it just right.

"The Soup King" has returned!

So, "The Soup King" has returned and is anxious to get started again...He has already ventured out to visit the store. I hope that the plumbers made a significant amount of progress over the last week or "The Soup King" will be very disappointed. A meeting with the electricians is scheduled for Monday morning, so things are moving smoothly, for now. More ideas are floating through the house from everyone. And you thought we were joking when we said that the "family" will help make your visit enjoyable. So far the children have come up with specific things to do on certain days of the week. I think that sounds good and we will give it a shot. We want to keep you guessing every time you visit. The same old thing everyday gets old quick. We want to keep life exciting! Besides, "The Soup King" lives by the motto of, "live for today because tomorrow was never promised!" Yes, a good way to view life but sometimes challenging for the rest of us that live with him!

Now that "The Soup King" is back today brings the adventure of perfecting his homemade chicken noodle soup! We will all be in the kitchen tasting and adding to make it just right, well suggesting anyway, "The Soup King" is the only one who really does anything with the soup! Hands off for the rest of us! This soup is always good but we want to find away to make sure it offers the best flavor for you! My favorite soup that "The Soup KIng" creates is his Southwestern Black Bean Soup. Maybe next weekend I will get lucky!

Cookies? Are they really that hard?

So today brought about the challenge of perfecting my homemade chocolate chip cookies. As I have already said,"The Soup King" strives for perfection so even the cookies must be just right. Well, I have struggled in the past with funny looking cookies, glob like looking cookies, and just a little too white cookies. How to fix it? Call the big sister! She had all the right answers....What ingredients to use and what not to use! Our youngest has a bash at the beach for school and we need to bring a family dish. Well, whenever the little ones come home and ask for cookies, we bake them! That is our family thing! So today, I perfected the cookie! Just the right sweetness, just the right color, just the right shape, and just the right taste!!!!! Love it! I feel ccomplished for now! I guess that's one more step in the right direction for "The Soup King"!

Now What??? Not much!

So far progress is relatively slow. The plumbers are still doing their thing, whatever that maybe..."The Soup King" knows but I have no clue. We are trying to decide on what type of uniforms if any to have our employees, which will be most of our children and any other family member we can convince to work, wear. I would like to have something that looks good but is easy to move around in since there will be prep work to be done with the soups and salads. I now what you're thinking, just another fast food spot with ok food....Not on your life! We are going to have some good home cooking for you with our soups! Even homemade deserts. I need a job so I get to bake! It will feel like you are at home every time you stop in! Besides, I bet you can't wait to see which kid is doing what job or who is just making a mess! With music always buzzing and fun things to see in the store you will definitely come back for more.



So we will start with six standard soups and have at least two special soups of the week. I think this will be a good start. "The Soup King" just needs to narrow done his choices for the six standard. He strives for perfection and wants only his best to be out there! Work in Pennsylvania keeps him a little busy right now but when he gets back, well "The Soup King" is going to shake things up! I should have a rough countdown started for our opening date by next week. I will keep you all posted! Have a great one!

Who?What?Where?When?

"The Soup King" is new in the area. We are food for the soul. We are located on Tamiami Trail in Sarastoa Florida for now.....When? Well, that is a working progress!!

We offer homemade soups and salads to warm the soul and energize the body. "The Soup King" is a quaint little spot to drop in and grab something that is filling while on the go! We add just enough family to keep every visit personable and to make you want to return!

The Soup King" began about three years ago in a small town in Pennsylvania with one man's love of soup. "The Soup King" would make all of his soups from scratch, taking recipes and adding a little of this and a little of that to make the soup just right. Soon "The Soup King" would spend every weekend working on his soups to make them perfect. The more he thought about it the more he wanted everyone to have a chance to try his tasty soups. So "The Soup King" began his work to find the right name, the right logo, and the right location.

Of course I wanted "The Soup King" to stay local but he had another idea in mind. "The Soup King" wanted to wake up everyday and see blue water. So for the next year "The Soup King" and his family of seven traveled up and down and all around Florida to find the perfect place. How many husbands go on a business trip for the week and come home to tell their wives that they bought a house? Well, "The Soup King" did just that! The idea was to renovate a home and find a store to open to the public. In addition to a new business we are also relocating a construction business. Who does this? All on a whim, for a chance to try something new "The Soup King" is doing just that!

I would like to think that I am a good wife since I go along with any and all ideas that "The Soup King" comes up with even if they scare me. I do have to admit that this is definately a leap of faith for me! Yes, keep reading because the adventure is just beginning!

So "The Soup King" has been in Sarasota since April 2008. With great anticipation a store front was found! This is the first step in getting "The Soup King's" soup out to the public...Now to make it just right! May brought great things and crazy things all at the same time! The house that "The Soup King" purchased was demolished, "lets start over", he says. Oh my! Where to go with this one? We still have our home in Pennsylvania which I am trying to hold onto, a rental home in Sarasota, and myself, five children, two ferrits, a cat, and ten hermit crabs have moved in with my father to try and make things a little easier til the great big move! CRAZY!

The craziest part of this new adventure is that "The Soup King" and I are like oil and water. He is a risk taker with no worries and I am the mom with anxiety! The only common denominator that we share are our five children and a great love thing that just sort of happened....I guess it works or we wouldn't be married for thirteen years and counting!

So the sign is here! Construction is under way.....Permits in Florida take a really long time. Now we can start the countdown! So many ideas and so much excitement, I don't think "The Soup King" can wait much longer! Paint, flooring, what is the next step? We still have a lot of planning to do but the final product will be great!

So back to things we will offer, "coffee", "The Soup King" wants to sell coffee. Neither one of us drink coffee, know what to do with it or what is right. We have a latte' machine, esspresso.....great! How should it taste? What do I do with it? "The Soup King" just laughs and says not to worry! My hair is falling out in major quantities! But, not to worry! AGH!!!

August has arrived and so has the wife and kids! Well a reluctant wife who is afraid of change! The best part is that "The Soup King" has to go back to Pennsylvania for work and has left me in a new place for the first week of school with our five children! OH MY!

"The Soup King" definately offers a wide variety of adventure for all of us! Checkback to see what new drama will unfold as we venture out for the public. Besides, who doesn't love drama and with all of us, contractors, and deadlines to meet I'm sure drama will occur! Chat with you soon!