Cafe Zupas — Restaurant in Brookfield

Was here 2 days ago the establishment was okay overall, but there are a few things I noticed that could be improved

Staff Knowledge When I asked what was in a specific bowl (the curry bowl), the staff member couldn’t give me a clear answer. Another staff member attempted to explain what might be in it but admitted they weren’t told the details. This lack of clarity suggests that the bowls are likely premade, which is fine, but staff should be trained to communicate ingredient details to customers accurately. I did notice the kiosk but was occupied at the time so maybe those had the information about the ingredients the bowls contained.

Serving Process While my bowl was being prepared, the person making it placed a plastic container with sauce directly on top of my beans and rice. This happened twice, and I had to request that they remove it. If this is part of their standard training, I would suggest reevaluating the process. It would be nice if the sauce was the last option and if customers were asked whether they’d prefer it on the side in a container or on top.

Hygiene Concern Ia staff member drop a sharpie marker into one of the vegetable tubs. The marker didn’t just fall on top it completely entered the tub, potentially contaminating the vegetables. Given the nature of sharpies (which are likely not sanitized) this raised a significant hygiene concern. From what I saw it didn’t appear that the vegetables were disposed of afterward which was disappointing.

Food Quality The food was just okay. I ordered a “Create a Bowl” for $8 and added two proteins. While I was informed there would be an additional charge my total came out to $16 without a beverage. It wasn’t clear if certain proteins like steak, carried higher additional charges. Unfortunately, my rice was very hard which impacted the overall experience.

Portion Sizes The portioning could use some improvement. My bowl had significantly more lettuce than rice and beans. Starting with rice or beans as a base might help staff better gauge how much lettuce is appropriate, ensuring a more balanced portion.

Overall Feedback This establishment has potential, but attention to staff training, hygiene practices, and consistency in food quality would greatly enhance the customer experience. While the concept is good, execution in these areas needs...

Be warned do NOT order for pick up.

I know opening days can be rough and I think that was the experience I got. The other locations of Cafe Zupas made me so excited for this location!

My office and I ordered 4 orders for 11:30 pick up. These weren’t ready at the pick up time. That wasn’t the issue at all! I rather have it more fresh. The issue was that one order (mind you had been placed at 9:30 in the morning) took 20 min to be ready. Waiting 10 min or so for a pick up order would have been fine if other orders weren’t taking priority of it.

They were great at handling the drive thru orders and moving the walk-in line nicely. It seemed like that process was efficient at the cost of the online orders.

Additionally, that persons order had a can of kombucha that they didn’t have in store. Again wouldn’t have been a problem besides the fact that they placed that order sticker on a cup. The person who appeared to be the supervisor informed the person who was setting up the cups the go ahead.

Frustrated at that point I, brought it to the attention of the team and asked for the kombucha. They informed me it was a website issue (again tech sucks I totally get it), I asked for a gift card or a refund for the drink since they didn’t have it. While trying to get a refund for a drink, I discovered that the other orders drink dispenser was clogged. An apology was provided to me. Normally with chains there’s a little free drink card or something that they give you with issues. It’s cheap and never costs them that much money but, it’s more of the “hey we messed up and we get that” apology vibe. Nothing but a sorry about that, have a great day.

Again, would be fine I think for ANYTHING...

Zuppa is officially on our shortlist of places we didn’t know we needed — and now can’t live without.

They first won us over when they catered a school board meeting (a rare moment when everyone actually agreed on something), and they sealed the deal when my wife and I visited in person. We each did the Pick 2 — because why settle for just one great thing when you can double down?

I went with the avocado turkey sandwich and chicken enchilada soup. Let me tell you, that soup was not just a soup — it was a warm, zesty hug from someone who knows their way around comfort food. And the sandwich? Creamy avocado, perfectly roasted turkey, fresh bread… the kind of sandwich that makes you question why you ever settled for boring deli turkey in your life.

My wife had the Italian sandwich and the chicken Caesar salad, and she basically stopped speaking mid-bite because she was too busy making “this is amazing” faces. The Caesar had that ideal balance of crisp, tangy, garlicky goodness, and the Italian sandwich was loaded, not greasy — just fresh and flavorful.

The place itself is casual, clean, and quick — but the food tastes like it came from someone’s kitchen who really cares. Friendly staff, great portions, and a menu that makes you want to come back tomorrow to try the other half.

Zuppa, you’re doing everything right. Don’t change a thing — unless you’re planning on opening another location closer...