Why is zupas closed on sunday

Overview

Café Zupas is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts, founded in 2004 by Dustin and Katie Schofield in Provo, Utah. The company has grown to operate more than 50 locations across eight states including Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. From its inception, Zupas has maintained a consistent policy of closing all locations on Sundays, a decision rooted in the founders' religious beliefs as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religious tradition of observing Sunday as a day of rest and worship has been a core company value that has remained unchanged despite the chain's significant expansion. The Sunday closure represents approximately 14% of potential operating days, yet the company has maintained steady growth, serving over 1 million customers annually while upholding this principle.

How It Works

The Sunday closure policy at Zupas operates through several coordinated mechanisms. First, all employment contracts and store operating manuals explicitly state that locations are closed on Sundays, with this information communicated to employees during hiring and training. Second, the company's point-of-sale systems and online ordering platforms are programmed to automatically disable Sunday ordering options. Third, physical store signage and digital communications consistently indicate Sunday closures to manage customer expectations. The policy applies uniformly across all locations regardless of local market conditions or customer demand patterns. This consistency simplifies operations, as staffing schedules, inventory management, and supply chain logistics can be planned around a predictable six-day operating week. The company has developed specific procedures for handling perishable inventory to account for the extended closure period each week.

Why It Matters

Zupas' Sunday closure policy matters for several significant reasons. For the company, it represents a commitment to founder values that has become part of the brand identity, distinguishing Zupas in the competitive restaurant market. For employees, it guarantees one consistent day off each week, contributing to work-life balance in an industry known for demanding schedules. For customers, it creates predictability and reinforces the company's values-driven approach. In broader business terms, the policy demonstrates that a company can maintain religious principles while achieving commercial success, with Zupas generating estimated annual revenues exceeding $50 million despite the reduced operating schedule. The policy also reflects ongoing debates about work-life balance in the service industry and the role of religious values in modern business practices.